Wike Says PDP Crisis Over, Urges Defected Members To Return

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has declared that the internal crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been resolved, while urging former members to return and join the rebuilding process.

Wike also revealed how Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed personally visited his home to plead that the party’s recent national convention be suspended.

Speaking at the monthly media briefing in Abuja yesterday, the minister dismissed the ‘do-or-die’ approach often associated with Nigerian politics, likening political contests to a football match rather than a battle of no return.

“Politics is not a fight to finish, it is like a game, like football. If you see it as a do or die, it becomes difficult to reconcile. We have had our differences, but if you’re really sincere, there’s nothing left. We can do it together and move the party forward,” Wike said.

The former Rivers State governor added that the PDP’s recent national convention was legitimate, and that aggrieved stakeholders should move past personal grievances in the interest of unity.

“As far as I’m concerned, the convention has come and gone. People are trooping in. I will say, the door is open. Yes, we have had a crisis. Now the crisis is over. Do we still have to shut our doors? No. Certainly not,” he added.

Wike disclosed that he did not use any magic to secure the attendance of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, ex-Kaduna governor Ahmed Makarfi and former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido at the convention.

“There is nothing like magic.

It is you talking to Saraki, Makarfi and Sule Lamido and letting them understand the reality. It is not to chase shadows. These are experienced leaders in their own rights,” he explained.

The minister also revealed a dramatic late-night plea from Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed who reportedly asked him to halt the convention to allow for broader discussions.

“Bala Mohammed last week Tuesday called my ADC that he wanted to see me. Around 11pm he came to my house. He said, ‘Look, can we put off the convention so that we will be able to sit down and discuss?

“I said no, that would be wrong. You can’t shoot yourself and expect me to shoot myself too. The court said do not hold this convention. You set up a committee of prominent Nigerians, they came up with a resolution. You refused that advice and accused the committee you set up of being compromised,” Wike said.

Wike dismissed claims that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government is tormenting the opposition, contrasting it with the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“If there was anybody that was tormented under Buhari’s government, it was me. APC under Buhari nearly killed the PDP by using money.

“They brought in Modu Sheriff as our national chairman, but I never ran away. I hired lawyers, and at the Supreme Court the matter was thrown away,” he said.

The FCT minister further cautioned political parties to resolve internal crises strictly in line with the legal framework and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regulations.

He warned that internal disputes cannot override established laws, citing Supreme Court rulings that invalidated party actions where due process was not followed.

“INEC must operate within the confines of the law and should not be blackmailed or pressured into taking sides. Political parties must take responsibility for putting their internal structures in order. Failure to do so could undermine their electoral prospects,” he said.

He also warned politicians against relying solely on titles for relevance, saying visibility, engagement, and consistent effort are key to remaining politically significant, that those who fail to stay active within the party structure, risk being sidelined in the future.