No One is Above the Party, PDP Warms Nyesom Wike

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, emphasising that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the party.

This caution comes in the wake of Wike’s confrontational remarks directed at PDP governors who attempted to intervene in the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State.

The tension escalated when Wike threatened to “put fire” in Rivers State if any governor tried to wrest control of the state’s political structure from him and hand it over to the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike and Fubara have been at odds over the control of the PDP’s political framework in Rivers State, leading to a public display of discord within the party.

Wike, known for his outspoken nature, has been vocal about maintaining his grip on the political structure, issuing warnings against any interference from fellow party members.

Wike’s declaration was unambiguous: “Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of the PDP from us.

But let me tell people, I hear some governors who say they will take over the structure and give it back to somebody.”

This statement was widely seen as a direct challenge to the authority of the PDP and a signal of his intent to resist any attempts to undermine his influence in Rivers State.

Responding to these developments, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, addressed the media in Abuja, reiterating the party’s stance on internal discipline and unity.

He stressed, “What I can tell you is that nobody is above this party. It is the Peoples Democratic Party. Our party is built on principles and values that transcend individual ambitions.”

Ologunagba emphasised the importance of following due process within the party, noting that the PDP had established reconciliation and disciplinary committees to address ongoing disputes and restore order.

He remarked, “We have set up bodies with the mandate to do the job, and we will wait for their report. The party is committed to upholding its rules and ensuring that all members, regardless of their stature, are held accountable.

What we know is that nobody is above this party, and we must take that to heart. It’s like justice: the wheel of justice grinds slowly but ultimately grinds well.”

The PDP spokesperson also called on the party’s governors to prioritise stability in their respective states, highlighting that performance and governance are the true measures of leadership.

“We urge our governors to do what is necessary to ensure stability in their states.

The only way they can achieve stability is through performance. If you compare PDP governors with governors from other parties, you will find that PDP governors are clearly oases of development,” Ologunagba asserted.

This statement underscores the PDP’s focus on governance and service delivery as key elements that distinguish its leadership at the state level.

The ongoing friction between Wike and other party leaders reflects a broader challenge within the PDP as it navigates internal power dynamics and strives to maintain cohesion.

The party’s leadership has been keen to project a united front, particularly in light of the upcoming elections, where maintaining a strong, unified base will be crucial.

The PDP’s handling of this internal conflict will likely set a precedent for how it manages similar disputes in the future.

This conflict is not just about political control but also about the future direction of the PDP in Rivers State and beyond.

Wike’s insistence on retaining his influence within the party raises questions about the balance of power and the extent to which individual members can assert their dominance over party decisions.

The outcome of this standoff will have significant implications for the PDP’s unity and effectiveness as a major political force in Nigeria.

As the PDP awaits the findings of its reconciliation and disciplinary committees, all eyes will be on how the party manages this internal crisis.

The response will be crucial in determining whether the PDP can maintain its integrity and continue to position itself as a leading voice in Nigerian politics, especially as it contends with both internal challenges and external competition.

Ultimately, the PDP’s leadership will need to navigate these turbulent waters carefully, reinforcing the message that no one, not even a powerful minister like Wike, is above the party.

This principle is essential for the PDP to preserve its organisational structure and ensure that its focus remains on governance and the delivery of development across the country.