The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has officially announced his withdrawal from all ongoing agreements aimed at resolving the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He has vowed to continue his fight until fairness and justice are restored.Wike implicated Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as the main orchestrator behind the breach of an agreement that recognized Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the legitimate PDP National Secretary.
In a statement personally signed by him and released on Sunday, Wike accused Makinde of being a major contributor to the party’s current challenges, alleging that Makinde’s failure to honor previous agreements was a critical issue undermining the party’s stability.
The statement titled “PDP Crisis: My Stand” detailed Wike’s concerns, emphasizing that past reconciliation efforts must be honored. These include upholding Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the PDP National Secretary in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling, withdrawing all legal cases involving Rivers State initiated by the party’s legal team, abandoning the suit concerning a state of emergency, and ensuring all parties abide strictly by previously reached commitments.
Wike emphasized: “Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has been oscillating dangerously due to dishonesty and lack of trust among its leaders. To curb this destructive trend, we have strived to promote fidelity to our agreements to stabilize and rebuild the party.
During a meeting of the G5 group in Lagos, I made it clear to Governor Makinde that he was a key cause of our problems, pointing out that his failure to adhere to agreements was detrimental to the party. We resolved then to move forward in unity.
Subsequently, an expanded meeting was held in Abuja with Makinde, Umaru Fintiri, Bala Mohammed, Bukola Saraki, and myself at Saraki’s residence. I stated that I had no personal issues with Bala Mohammed, except that he abuses his position as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum to consistently renege on commitments.
Tensions were high during this meeting, but eventually, we agreed on several resolutions: that Samuel Anyanwu remains the National Secretary in line with the Supreme Court judgment, that legal issues related to Rivers State be withdrawn, that the emergency declaration be rescinded, and that no one should deviate from these decisions.
Despite this, Makinde and others tried to undermine the agreements. They allegedly conspired with Peter Mba of Enugu State to summon a meeting of South-East leaders, threatening to withdraw from the PDP if their preferred secretary candidate was not adopted—a threat I publicly rejected.
Makinde also organized support within the PDP national secretariat to replace the duly elected Deputy National Secretary with someone else, violating earlier agreements. Despite these attempts, official letters confirming Senator Anyanwu’s candidacy for upcoming governorship elections, signed by him and the acting National Chairman, were rejected through a rebuttal issued under Makinde’s instructions.
All these actions blatantly violate our agreements and threaten the party’s unity. For example, on May 24, 2025, a well-attended PDP zonal election in Jos was canceled because the invitation letter—signed by the Deputy National Secretary—lacked the proper endorsement from Senator Anyanwu, as required by law. This act was provocative and unacceptable.
I’ve shared these facts to inform the public and PDP members about the true state of affairs. I have dedicated myself to building and sustaining this party since 1998, yet I see those who have benefited from my efforts now betraying our agreements.
It’s especially painful considering I contributed significantly to many governors’ electoral victories without ever asking for personal favors. However, given the repeated breaches and manipulations, particularly evident in the North-Central zone elections, I’ve decided to withdraw entirely from all previous agreements. My resolve is now to pursue justice relentlessly.
Regarding the upcoming PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, tensions are mounting. The agenda remains undisclosed, but key issues likely include resolving the dispute over the national secretary position and preparations for the August party convention. Disciplinary measures against members suspected of anti-party activities may also feature.
Notably, the Tom Ikimi-led disciplinary panel has commenced hearings regarding allegations against some party leaders. The party’s stance on coalition efforts might also be addressed. Since last year, the NEC has been postponed six times, and recent developments suggest a possible showdown.
There was some confusion when a letter purportedly signed by Senator Anyanwu as the party’s national secretary announced a postponement of the NEC meeting. The outcome of the upcoming caucus and Board of Trustees (BoT) meetings will be critical in determining the NEC’s direction.
Moreover, Wike’s allies, including a former Benue State governor, have recently been inducted into the BoT, which is scheduled to meet today. The PDP caucus, of which Wike is a member, is also set to meet before the NEC gathering.
The party aims to demonstrate readiness to embrace leadership