Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has spoken on the escalating crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that the culture of impunity within the party cannot be tolerated any longer.
The PDP’s internal turmoil worsened on Saturday after a faction loyal to Wike, led by suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, announced the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
Earlier that same day, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) had suspended Anyanwu after an emergency meeting, citing acts deemed contrary to the party’s constitution. However, in a swift counteraction, Anyanwu held a press conference declaring the suspension of Damagum and five other NWC members.
Those named in the suspension list included Debo Ologunagba, the party’s spokesperson; Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy National Vice Chairman (South); Daniel Woyenguikoro, National Financial Secretary; Sulaiman Kadade, National Youth Leader; and Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Wike supported the suspension of the National Chairman, maintaining that discipline must be restored in the PDP.
“We cannot continue to allow impunity,” Wike said firmly, emphasising that the lack of accountability has long weakened the party’s structure.
The minister also took a swipe at certain state governors, accusing them of mismanaging funds meant for development and instead using public resources to fuel divisions within the PDP. Although he did not name specific governors, he implied that some of them were betraying the same party that elevated them politically.
“I have said it before—the problem we are having today in the PDP is that the kind of money in the hands of the governors is so much. I praised the President for allowing so much money in the hands of states, which has never happened.
“But I was thinking this money should be put in the development of our states, not to use the money to scatter a party that has built you, that has given you a name today. Where are we?” Wike queried.
His remarks reflect the growing tension between the PDP’s national leadership and influential party figures, with many political observers warning that the ongoing infighting could further weaken the opposition ahead of future elections.
What You Should Know
Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, has been a major power broker within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Known for his outspoken nature, Wike’s support for the suspension of PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum underscores his call for party discipline and accountability.
The PDP crisis, which pits Wike’s loyalists against the National Working Committee, highlights internal struggles over control, governance style, and the influence of state governors in party affairs. This issue could reshape the PDP’s political future.
