The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has slammed governors of the Peoples Democratic Party for sidelining him in major party decisions, warning that such exclusionary practices could threaten the party’s survival.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike expressed frustration over being left out of key consultations despite his long-standing influence and role within the PDP.
He said, “Have I not said it before now that the booby trap you are setting will consume you? The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party.”
The minister questioned why his exclusion was justified simply because he no longer holds a governorship position.
“I am the FCT Minister. Are you telling me that because I am not a governor, you will hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting and exclude me, and then expect the party to survive?” he queried.
He added, “Assuming I am not a minister, by the role I have played in the PDP till now, is it right to say I cannot be consulted in taking decisions of the party? Certainly not.”
Wike further criticised the notion that internal crises could be blamed on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the PDP’s problems were self-inflicted.
“All these talks about APC are rubbish. Is it the APC that makes you take wrong decisions? You mean two or three people, because they are governors and receive large allocations, will go and decide, and you tell me to follow? Follow who?” he queried.
Speaking on the party’s planned national convention, Wike said the leadership had failed to complete necessary congresses and other key processes, which he claimed were stalling progress.
“If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,” he said.
The PDP has, in recent months, faced internal crises and a wave of defections involving top members such as Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno. The party is also battling multiple legal suits over its forthcoming convention.
