The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), cautioning that the continued exclusion of key stakeholders like him from major decisions could lead to the party’s downfall.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Wike expressed disappointment that the PDP leadership had sidelined him in strategic deliberations, despite his long-standing influence and contributions to the party’s survival.
“Have I not said it before now that the booby trap you are setting will consume you? The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party,” Wike declared.
The minister, who once served as the governor of Rivers State, questioned the rationale behind his exclusion from PDP consultations simply because he no longer occupies a gubernatorial seat.
“I am the FCT Minister. Are you telling me that because I am not a governor, you will hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting and exclude me, and then expect the party to survive?” he queried.
He further argued that his years of commitment to the PDP should make him a key voice in decision-making processes, saying:
“Assuming I am not a minister, by the role I have played in the PDP till now, is it right to say I cannot be consulted in taking decisions of the party? Certainly not.”
Wike also dismissed claims that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was responsible for the PDP’s challenges, insisting that the party’s problems were internally generated.
“All these talks about APC are rubbish. Is it APC that makes you take wrong decisions? You mean two or three people, because they are governors and receive large allocations, will go and decide, and you tell me to follow? Follow who?” he asked pointedly.
Addressing the upcoming PDP national convention, Wike criticised the current leadership for failing to complete necessary congresses and processes required for a credible convention.
“If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,” he said.
The PDP has recently been rocked by internal rifts and high-profile defections involving figures like Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, alongside pending legal battles over its national convention.
As tensions continue to rise, Wike’s warning adds another layer to the deepening crisis threatening the unity and future of Nigeria’s major opposition party.
