RismadarVoice Reporters, March 12, 2026
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that his faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains firmly in control of the party’s structure and will negotiate any reconciliation from a position of strength.
Wike spoke against the backdrop of the Court of Appeal ruling that nullified the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan on November 15–16, 2025, and a Federal High Court judgment in Ibadan affirming the current National Caretaker Working Committee leadership structure.
While expressing openness to reconciliation within the party, Wike insisted that such efforts must be sincere and transparent.
“PDP will never die. There comes a time you have crises, but those moments help you put yourself in order. We are for reconciliation, but genuine reconciliation,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor cautioned party leaders against secret negotiations, urging those seeking peace to present clear proposals.
“When you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms so we know what you want. Let those coming for peace come in the daytime and not at nighttime,” he said, addressing Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
Wike also dismissed claims that his role in the APC-led federal administration makes him a “mole” within the PDP, noting that some of his critics have since defected to the ruling party.
On the party’s planned National Convention, the FCT minister ruled out the possibility of postponement or the formation of another caretaker committee.
“The party is working hard for the convention to hold. The necessary fees have been paid and the venue secured. Convention must hold and everybody will be allowed to participate,” he said.
Responding to threats of further litigation, Wike said the courts remain open to all parties but maintained that his camp currently has the upper hand.
Earlier, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro appealed for compromise, revealing that he had met with the Tanimu Turaki faction in a bid to resolve the crisis.
Moro said the National Assembly caucus of the PDP remains committed to a united party and urged members to prioritise the survival of the PDP over personal ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Also speaking, House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda described the Court of Appeal judgment as a boost for the party, expressing optimism that some lawmakers may soon defect back to the PDP.
The meeting was attended by several party stakeholders, including former governors Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ikpeazu, Caretaker Committee Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, PDP Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu, and Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, among others.
