The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his renewed public declaration of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the stance as a clear confirmation of anti-party activities.
In a statement following Wike’s end-of-year media chat, the party noted that the minister openly described himself as the “number one supporter” of the presumptive APC presidential candidate for the 2027 election, despite remaining a member of the PDP.
According to the PDP, Wike’s position reinforces the basis of his expulsion from the party and represents what it described as “anti-democratic adventurism.”
“This fact, which he has unashamedly reiterated in several places, is nothing less than a locus classicus of anti-party conduct,” the statement said.
The party further argued that Wike’s political conduct has followed a long pattern of internal disruption, describing him as a “constant agent provocateur” within the PDP.
Tracing his political history, the PDP recalled that since assuming office as Rivers State governor in 2015, Wike has played prominent roles in successive leadership crises within the party.
These include his involvement in the Ali Modu Sheriff leadership era, his subsequent opposition to Sheriff, his backing of Uche Secondus for national chairman before later leading efforts against him, and his support for Dr Iyorchia Ayu’s emergence as national chairman, followed by agitation for Ayu’s removal.
Beyond national leadership disputes, the party accused Wike of undermining democratic practices in Rivers State through alleged imposition of candidates, exclusionary internal processes, and the prevention of the PDP’s presidential candidate from campaigning in a PDP-controlled state during the last election cycle.
“Wike’s politics thrives on perpetual conflict, feeding on attention and seeking relevance through calculated disruption,” the statement alleged.
The PDP also claimed that during the media interaction, the minister showed signs of anxiety over his political influence in Rivers State, his relationship with the presidency, and what it described as the firm position of the party’s national leadership.
According to the party, Wike and his associates have now openly aligned with the APC, working against the PDP’s collective interest.
“Now that the mask of pretence is off and he has publicly stated that he and his group will support the APC in the presidential election, Nigerians are clearly aware of their disposition to undermine the PDP,” the statement added.
The party further warned that any political agreements aimed at achieving “illegal purposes” should not be encouraged, noting that Wike, as a lawyer, should be mindful of such implications.
Reassuring its supporters, the PDP said it remains focused on rebuilding and strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We assure Nigerians that the PDP will field a credible presidential candidate who will enjoy massive support and go on to win the 2027 election,” the statement said.
It added that the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee is working to resolve internal legal issues and reposition the party for electoral success.
The statement was signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.
