WIKE TO PDP STAKEHOLDERS: WE MUST RESPECT NIGERIA, PARTY, CONSTITUTION 10-06-25
By Sadiq Aminu In a passionate address at a stakeholders’ meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Minister of FCT, Dr Nyesom Wike has emphasized the urgent need for party leaders and members to uphold both the Nigerian constitution and that of the PDP.
Speaking to a gathering of what he described as “concise stakeholders,” Wike did not mince words in criticizing actions that he claimed were rooted in impunity and self-interest.
“First of all, on behalf of our brothers who are seated at the high table here, let me sincerely thank you for coming to this very important concise stakeholder meeting of the People’s Democratic Party in spite of the short notice,” Wike began.
He lauded the resilience and commitment of those in attendance, stating, that those in attendance are those who still believe in the survival of the party.
Wike went on to defend the controversial decisions made by the G5 group of governors, saying, “I want to say it, today this country is stabilized because of the activities of the G5 brothers. You may like us, you may hate us. The truth of the matter is, if G5 did not take the decision we took, this country would have been in crisis.” Wike said.
Lamenting what he described as the party’s disregard for its own principles, Wike declared, “If the party had listened to what we said, we would not have been where we are today.”
He called for internal reflection and reconciliation: “Ours is to rebuild, reconcile, put everybody together, and not to say, go to hell.”
Touching on constitutional provisions, he accused unnamed party members of prioritizing selfish ambitions over unity.
“When the presidential came, we said PDP obey the Constitution of the party, what did the party say? The party clearly in its constitution stated clearly that positions would be zoned,” Wike said.
He emphasized that zoning is a deliberate arrangement to reflect Nigeria’s diversity in view of the composition and the complexity of Nigeria.
“But people, because of their selfish interest, kick against the constitution of our party, and all the relevant laws of our country,” he noted.
Wike further addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding party offices. “Now, the issue is, the National Secretary of the party. Now, no position is zoned to any region, positions are zoned between north and south.”
He reiterated the democratic process guiding party elections, pointing out that “It’s the national convention that decides who will be a national officer of the party.
The convergence of PDP Stakeholders on Abuja is expected to douse the growing tensions within the PDP, address ongoing debate over leadership, as well as zoning and constitutional fidelity for the party to navigates its path forward.