Abuja — Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came to the fore on Monday night as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, launched a scathing attack on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, declaring that the governor had ventured into a political confrontation beyond his capacity.
Wike, speaking at the party’s 107th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, mocked Makinde’s alleged reliance on contracts and judicial interventions, insisting that such approaches have no place in real political contests. “It is unfortunate; a fight you cannot fight, you started,” Wike said. “I didn’t want to be a contractor; I wanted to have power. You wanted money. You had a contract of over $1.7 million. Stay there as a contractor. Contract and politics are not the same thing.”
The minister also dismissed any claims that he exerts undue influence over the judiciary, pointing out that Makinde himself had secured a favourable court injunction in Ibadan. His remarks underscored deepening factional divisions within the PDP, even as the party leadership seeks to project unity ahead of its national convention.
Despite the sharp exchange, the NEC meeting concluded with a strong message of reconciliation and cohesion. In a communiqué issued after the session, the party resolved to approach its March 29 and 30 elective convention as a united body, adopting a “no victor, no vanquished” stance aimed at healing internal rifts.
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The communiqué, signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, confirmed the ratification of reports from ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses. Party leaders described the exercises as transparent and credible, citing them as evidence of the PDP’s organisational strength.
Earlier, Abdulrahman Mohammed told party stakeholders that the PDP had successfully navigated recent legal and political challenges, attributing much of the stability to Wike’s “doggedness and uncommon sacrifices.” He expressed confidence that the party had regained its footing. “Through collective resolve and maturity, we can now say the PDP remains one indivisible family,” he said.
A major highlight of the meeting was the formal adoption of a zoning formula for national elective positions, a move party leaders say reflects principles of fairness and national balance. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, urged members to embrace the arrangement in the interest of unity, noting that no system can satisfy everyone but that the collective good must prevail.
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The NEC also endorsed ongoing electronic membership registration as part of efforts to modernise party operations and strengthen its grassroots base. The theme for the upcoming convention was unveiled as “A Convention of Inclusiveness, Unity and Renewal.”
Legislative leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro and House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, called for discipline and loyalty among party members, asserting that the PDP is positioning itself as a viable alternative for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As deliberations drew to a close, Wike issued a stern warning to party members who remain non-committal. He cautioned that those who fail to actively participate in the convention should not expect acceptance afterward. “After this NEC meeting, anybody that doesn’t show commitment to the convention, don’t come back and tell us that ‘oh, I’m fully back.’ No, I will not accept that,” he said.
He further advised aspirants not to be intimidated by a lack of elite backing or so-called “federal might,” stressing that political success ultimately depends on grassroots support. Drawing from his own experience, Wike argued that genuine connection with the people outweighs financial resources or institutional influence.
“Money is not everything in this world; money has limitations,” he said. “Remove fear from your body. The moment you have fear, you have already failed. Believe that you have the capacity to do this and you can do it.”
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While the PDP leadership continues to emphasise unity, Wike’s remarks highlight lingering tensions that could shape the party’s internal dynamics as it prepares for its convention and the longer road to the 2027 elections.
