The ongoing Wike PDP crisis has reached a critical juncture, with former Presidential Media Adviser Umar Sani openly accusing the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, of deliberately destabilizing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Sani, speaking on ARISE News, articulated a widespread sentiment among PDP leaders: they want the former Rivers governor to leave the party. This deepening rift carries significant implications for the opposition’s prospects as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, raising serious questions about the party’s unity and strategic direction.
Umar Sani emphasized that the internal strife within the PDP primarily stems from a strong resistance to Wike’s pervasive influence, rather than any personal animosity between him and other party leaders. This perspective sheds light on the complex dynamics at play, suggesting that the ideological and strategic differences are at the heart of the current turmoil. The party faces an existential challenge in maintaining cohesion when a prominent figure like Wike is perceived as working against its collective interests.
Why is Wike destabilizing PDP? According to Umar Sani, Wike’s actions are seen as a deliberate attempt to undermine the party from within. He directly challenged Wike, suggesting that if the former governor truly believes the PDP cannot survive without him, he should depart. Sani’s stark statement, “As far as we are concerned, we want him to leave. Let him go to the APC and see how we survive. We cannot harbour someone destructive,” highlights the deep frustration and resolve among a faction of the PDP leadership.
However, Sani did not entirely close the door on reconciliation, offering a glimmer of hope for resolution. He likened a potential return to the parable of the prodigal son, stating, “If he realises his mistakes and comes back saying, ‘Please accept me,’ of course, we will. It is the issue of the prodigal son.” This suggests that while current sentiment is strong against Wike, the party might still be open to mending fences if there is a genuine shift in his approach and intentions.
The former presidential aide further clarified that Wike’s disputes with various PDP governors are not merely personal vendettas but are symptomatic of a larger “problem of the PDP.” This indicates a systemic issue where some party leaders suspect the presence of “a mole within the party entrenched to destabilise it.” Such a perception naturally fuels distrust and makes it incredibly difficult to forge a united front, especially when facing the formidable challenge of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
What is the core issue in the PDP crisis? The core issue in the PDP crisis revolves around resistance to Nyesom Wike’s perceived destabilizing influence rather than personal animosity. Party leaders suspect a mole within, actively working to undermine the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of crucial elections, making unity and strategic planning incredibly difficult.
Tensions escalated significantly when it became apparent that Wike would have no representation in the current National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP. Sani pointed out, “This is the first time the party will form a National Working Committee without a single member from him.” This move was a clear signal from the party leadership, reflecting a sentiment that Wike could not “eat your cake and have it,” especially if he was perceived to be working for the APC while trying to impose his will within the PDP.
Regarding Wike’s various legal challenges to party processes, Sani unequivocally dismissed them as baseless. He asserted, “All those issues he took to court are just tissues of lies,” confidently adding that the PDP had met all constitutional requirements for its convention. Claims that 16 states lacked proper congresses were unequivocally refuted, underscoring the party’s confidence in the legality of its internal procedures and decisions.
Further compounding the complexity of the Wike PDP crisis, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s startling claim that Wike promised to weaken the PDP for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 added another layer of intrigue. Umar Sani expressed full trust in Makinde’s account, stating, “I don’t believe Governor Makinde would flagrantly lie about Wike. He is not known to lie. I am confident Wike said so.” This accusation, if true, would fundamentally alter the understanding of Wike’s role and intentions within the opposition landscape.
Sani also addressed accusations from Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who alleged that Wike was behind harassment by anti-graft agencies. Sani implicitly acknowledged Wike’s significant influence in Abuja, while simultaneously criticizing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what he described as “selective prosecution.” He questioned the EFCC’s impartiality, pointing out its alleged targeting of opposition figures while seemingly ignoring members of the ruling APC, raising concerns about fairness in the political arena.
Despite the profound turmoil and internal conflicts, Sani expressed unwavering confidence that the PDP would ultimately resolve its crisis through the legal system. He highlighted the Supreme Court’s clear stance that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no business interfering in the internal affairs of political parties. “We are waiting for the superior courts to affirm those judgments. Once they do, the matter is over,” he confidently stated, pinning the party’s hopes on judicial affirmation.
Looking ahead to the critical 2027 elections, Sani vehemently dismissed any suggestions that the PDP was finished as a political force. He insisted that the party would regain significant momentum once its legal issues were definitively resolved. He even speculated on the potential return of Peter Obi to the PDP, stating, “If he is denied the ticket elsewhere, he has only one option to come back to the PDP, and we will give him the ticket.” This underscores the party’s self-perception as the strongest and most viable platform for serious presidential ambition in Nigeria, boasting unmatched structure, reach, and followership. The path to resolving the Wike PDP crisis is complex, but the party remains resilient.
