In a surprising shift in political dynamics, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has told the All Progressives Congress (APC) that it has no grounds to complain about the actions of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The PDP leadership suggests that the ruling party is now dealing with the consequences of its own political choices in Rivers State.
The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, stated that the ruling party knowingly courted Wike for political advantage and must now manage the fallout. Ememobong pointed out that Wike and his associates were already expelled from the PDP, leaving the APC with the responsibility of handling a figure they once viewed as an asset but now find problematic. The party noted that the same conduct currently being criticized by the APC leadership was celebrated when it appeared to favor their interests during the last election cycle.
This development follows a heated exchange between the Wike-led faction of the PDP and the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru. The faction issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Basiru, demanding an apology for his recent call for Wike to resign and focus on Rivers State politics. Etim Isong, the faction’s Zonal Publicity Secretary, described Basiru’s remarks as an amateurish judgment and an attack on a performing minister who remains a key ally of the President. The group warned that failure to apologize could lead to the National Secretary being declared unwelcome in Rivers State.
Despite the friction with the APC leadership, Nyesom Wike appeared to take a more measured tone during his recent thank-you tour in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. While he reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, he remained firm regarding his local political battles. Addressing supporters in Abonnema, Wike declared that the political machinery in Rivers is unique because it brings different parties together under the “Renewed Hope” banner. He also vowed that the mistakes made in 2023 would not be repeated in future elections, urging his followers to remain disciplined and loyal to local leadership.
On a separate front, the PDP is seeing a resurgence of high-level support as former President Goodluck Jonathan pledged to become more deeply involved in the party’s affairs. Following a closed-door meeting with the party’s National Working Committee led by Kabiru Turaki, Jonathan reportedly reaffirmed his commitment as a dedicated member. Turaki noted that the former president feels a sense of duty to the party that fostered his political career and is ready to assist as the PDP prepares for upcoming governorship elections and the 2027 general polls.
The new PDP leadership emphasized their focus on returning the party to its grassroots and ending internal impunity. While legal battles continue to linger, the party’s hierarchy expressed confidence that reconciliation remains the ultimate goal. Turaki mentioned that Jonathan provided extensive recommendations for resolving internal disputes, though the specifics remain confidential to maintain a strategic advantage. As the political landscape shifts, it is clear that both the ruling party and the opposition are recalibrating their strategies for the long road ahead.
