The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Sunday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced his withdrawal from all previously agreed reconciliation efforts within the party.
Wike placed the blame squarely on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing him of being the primary cause of the party’s internal strife. According to Wike, the failure to honor agreements is at the heart of the PDP’s troubles, with Makinde being the “chief culprit.”
In a personally signed statement, the former Rivers State governor accused several key figures in the party—among them Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah—of betrayal, dishonesty, and repeated breaches of mutual agreements.
Reflecting on the origins of the party’s internal discord, Wike linked the crisis to unresolved issues following the 2023 general elections and vowed to continue fighting until justice is served.
A prominent member of the influential G5 group, Wike stated:
“I made it clear to Governor Seyi Makinde that he is the architect of our problems. The refusal to adhere to agreed terms is the root of our crisis, and he is the major offender.”
Full Statement: “PDP Crisis: My Position”
- Post-2023 Fallout
Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has been plagued by instability fueled by dishonesty and distrust among its top stakeholders. Various efforts have been made to restore confidence and enforce adherence to agreements in order to stabilize the party. - G5 Meeting in Lagos
At a G5 meeting in Lagos, I explicitly told Governor Makinde that his failure to respect agreements was causing the party’s disarray. We eventually agreed to let bygones be bygones and move forward. - Expanded Meeting in Abuja
Following the Lagos meeting, we convened a broader gathering at Senator Bukola Saraki’s residence. Attendees included Governors Makinde, Umaru Fintiri, Bala Mohammed, and Saraki. There, I clarified that my only issue with Bala Mohammed was his pattern of violating agreements under the guise of leading the PDP Governors Forum. Tensions were high, but we reached several resolutions:- Senator Samuel Anyanwu would remain the party’s National Secretary, as upheld by the Supreme Court.
- All PDP-related legal cases in Rivers State would be withdrawn.
- The call for a state of emergency would be dropped.
- All parties must honor these resolutions.
Despite a tight schedule, I attended a stakeholders’ meeting at the Bauchi Government Lodge, as requested, where I reiterated my concerns. A committee, led by Senator Saraki, was formed to address lingering issues.
- Breach of Agreements
Regrettably, even before the Saraki-led committee began its work, agreements were already being violated. Makinde allegedly conspired with Enugu Governor Peter Mbah to push a meeting of South-East leaders threatening to leave the PDP unless Ude Okoye was named Secretary—a move I publicly opposed.
Makinde also mobilized allies at the party secretariat to recognize the Deputy National Secretary as acting National Secretary, flouting our agreements. In another incident, a legitimate letter endorsing the party’s Anambra governorship candidate, signed by Anyanwu and the acting National Chairman, was discredited through a rebuttal from the National Publicity Secretary—allegedly acting on orders from Makinde and Mbah.
On May 24, 2025, a zonal PDP congress in Jos was canceled after INEC refused to attend because the invitation letter was improperly signed by the Deputy National Secretary, instead of the legally recognized National Secretary.
- Final Decision
I present these facts to set the record straight. I’ve been a dedicated PDP member since 1998 and have made significant sacrifices for this party—more than most. Many of the current governors owe their positions, at least in part, to my support, yet I’ve asked for nothing in return.
The continued pattern of deceit and broken promises—highlighted by the North-Central zonal election fiasco—has left me with no choice but to withdraw from all reconciliation agreements. I remain committed to pursuing justice within the party.
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
May 25, 2025
