Wike Hosts PDP Stakeholders Meeting, Defends G5’s Role in Preventing National Crisis

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday convened a high-level, closed-door meeting in Abuja with prominent figures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the banner of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP.”

The meeting drew key members of the influential G5 group—former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). While it remained unclear if Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the only serving member of the G5, was in attendance, the event was graced by other major PDP leaders, including National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda, serving and former lawmakers, and party executives from across the country.

In his remarks, Wike delivered a sharp critique of the party’s current leadership, citing the G5’s bold decisions during the 2023 general elections as a necessary intervention that helped prevent national unrest.

“Today, this country is stabilised because of the activities of the G5 governors. You may like us or hate us. The truth is, if the G5 did not take the decision we took, this country would have been in crisis,” Wike stated, referring to the group’s resistance to the PDP’s presidential ticket, which they argued ignored the party’s zoning principles.

He emphasized that the gathering was not for show or political opportunism but a meeting of committed party loyalists determined to rescue and rebuild the PDP from the grassroots.

“Let us not allow greed or ego to kill our party,” he warned, accusing some leaders of acting with impunity in violation of the PDP constitution and democratic norms.

Wike also cited examples of internal contradictions, including the cases of Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas and Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi, whose dual roles in party and electoral contests have sparked legal and constitutional debates within the party.

Backing Wike’s position, Ortom defended the minister’s significance in the PDP and national politics. “He who pays the piper calls the tune,” Ortom declared, daring critics to name anyone who has contributed more to the party’s survival than Wike.

He also applauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing Wike to the sensitive role of FCT Minister, describing it as a strategic move to prevent Nigeria from sliding into a one-party system.

As of the time of filing this report, the meeting was still ongoing behind closed doors, with a communiqué expected to be issued.