The political schism within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) widened on Tuesday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, issued a stinging rebuke to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, warning him against initiating “a fight that he cannot fight.”
Speaking at a purported 107th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, held by a faction loyal to his leadership, Mr Wike characterised claims allegedly made by Governor Makinde regarding high-level meetings with President Bola Tinubu as “unfortunate” and “misleading.”
The Minister’s remarks appeared to be a direct response to assertions made by the Oyo State Governor during a recent visit to Bauchi. Governor Makinde had reportedly suggested that a meeting occurred involving the Minister and the President, during which Mr Wike allegedly claimed control over both the federal administration and the judiciary—a factor linked to a recent ex parte order granted in Ibadan.
“It is unfortunate that you started a fight you cannot fight,” Mr Wike remarked, directed at his former ally. “Politics is not a contract work and a business venture. Politics and business are two different things.”
In a particularly sharp escalation, the Minister referenced the Governor’s professional background, contrasting it with his own pursuit of political influence. “Politics is not a contract of Shell. I did not go into politics to be a contractor; I went into politics to have power. You wanted money. You had a contract of over $1.7 million. Stay there. This is my own territory. Stay as a contractor.”
Beyond the personal friction, the FCT Minister issued a stern warning to party members regarding “double dealing.” He made it clear that those who fail to demonstrate total commitment to the faction’s upcoming national convention would face marginalisation.
“After this NEC meeting, anybody who does not show commitment to the convention, do not come back afterwards and say you are fully back. I will not accept that,” Wike stated, while nonetheless emphasising the need for genuine reconciliation across the party’s embattled factions.
Reflecting the faction’s desire to project a sense of stability, the Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, declared a “no victor, no vanquished” outcome regarding recent legal and political disputes. He asserted that the party had intensified its efforts toward reconciliation ahead of the national convention slated for Abuja.
“This convention is not merely a routine exercise; it is a critical milestone that will shape the future direction of our party,” Mr Mohammed informed the assembly. He disclosed that the ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses across the Federation had been successfully concluded, describing the exercises as peaceful and reflective of democratic ideals.
In a communique issued following the meeting signed by Mr Mohammed and the Acting National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu the National Caretaker Committee announced the formal commencement of the sale of nomination forms for national offices.
The communique advised all interested aspirants to adhere strictly to the approved guidelines and timelines. Furthermore, the NEC reaffirmed the existing zoning formula for national elective positions, indicating that the distribution of offices would follow established arrangements intended to balance regional interests.
The leadership concluded the session by reiterating the supremacy of the party and calling on all members to remain “united, disciplined, and committed to the collective interest of the PDP.”
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