Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at Seyi Makinde, warning him against engaging in “a fight that he can’t fight” amid ongoing tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party.
Wike made the remarks during a purported 107th National Executive Committee meeting of the party held in Abuja, where internal divisions within the PDP once again came to the fore.
Reacting to comments allegedly made by Makinde concerning meetings involving Wike and Bola Tinubu, the FCT minister described such claims as misleading.
He said, “Unfortunately, I was watching my friend before, Seyi Makinde, when he went to Bauchi, he said that he had a meeting with me and the president, that I said we were in control of government as well as the judiciary, which gave us an ex parte order at Ibadan.
“It’s unfortunate a fight you cannot fight, you started. Politics is not a contract work and a business venture. Politics and business are two different things.
“Politics is not a contract of Shell. I didn’t go into politics to be a contractor. I went into politics to have power. You wanted money. You had contract of over $1.7 million. Hey, stay there. This is my own territory. Stay as a contractor.”
Wike also cautioned party members against engaging in double dealings, warning that those who fail to demonstrate loyalty may be sidelined after the upcoming convention.
“After this NEC meeting, anybody that doesn’t show commitment to the convention, don’t come back after and say you are fully back. I will not accept that,” he stated, stressing the need for unity and sincere reconciliation.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Working Committee faction aligned with Wike, Abdulrahman Mohammed, declared a “no victor, no vanquished” stance as efforts to reconcile party members intensify ahead of the convention.
He described the planned gathering as a turning point for the party’s future.
“This convention is not merely a routine exercise; it is a critical milestone that will shape the future direction of our party,” he said.
Mohammed added that the party has made notable progress in stabilising its internal structures despite recent legal and political challenges.
“The recent judicial pronouncements, approached with a spirit of reconciliation and inclusiveness, have further reinforced our commitment to unity. There is no victor and no vanquished, only a shared commitment to rebuild, reposition, and strengthen our party,” he stated.
He further disclosed that ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses had been conducted across the country, describing them as largely peaceful and reflective of democratic ideals.
As part of preparations for the convention, the caretaker committee announced the commencement of the sale of nomination forms to interested aspirants.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting and co-signed by Acting National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, the faction urged aspirants to comply with established guidelines and timelines.
According to the communiqué, “NEC noted that the sale of nomination forms for the forthcoming national convention has commenced.
“All interested aspirants are advised to comply with the approved guidelines and timelines as issued by the party.”
The committee also reaffirmed the party’s zoning arrangement for national elective positions, stating that it would guide the distribution of offices to ensure regional balance.
It added that all relevant organs and committees had been directed to ensure proper coordination for a credible and transparent convention.
“NEC reiterated the supremacy of the Party and called on all members to remain united, disciplined, and committed to the collective interest of the PDP,” the communiqué stated.
What you should know
The latest exchange between Wike and Makinde highlights deepening divisions within the PDP ahead of its national convention.
While party leaders are pushing for unity and reconciliation, sharp public disagreements suggest lingering power struggles. The convention is expected to be crucial in determining the party’s leadership structure and future direction, especially as it prepares for upcoming political contests.
How the PDP manages these internal conflicts could significantly impact its strength as a major opposition force in Nigeria.
