Wike Withdraws from PDP Agreements, Accuses Makinde of Betrayal

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified following a bombshell announcement from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, Wike publicly declared his withdrawal from all prior peace agreements aimed at resolving the ongoing turmoil within the opposition party.

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Wike, a pivotal figure in the PDP and an influential voice within the G5 group, pointed fingers directly at Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing him of betraying mutual understandings and being the “chief architect” behind the party’s current discord.

In a statement personally endorsed and titled “PDP Crisis: My Position,” Wike did not mince words. He lambasted the PDP’s leadership for their inability to uphold court-backed decisions, respect binding agreements, and maintain internal discipline. His criticism zeroed in on the refusal to acknowledge Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the PDP, in defiance of a Supreme Court ruling.

Wike’s claims were as detailed as they were damning. According to him, the PDP has been embroiled in a cycle of betrayal, dishonesty, and internal treachery since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections. “The party has been wantonly swinging from one part of a slippery precipice to another,” he remarked, attributing this instability to broken promises and the absence of integrity among key stakeholders.

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Central to Wike’s grievances was a series of meetings held in the aftermath of the elections—first in Lagos among the G5 governors, and subsequently at former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s guest house in Abuja. These meetings were aimed at patching up widening cracks within the party. Despite reaching consensus on critical matters—including the upholding of Senator Anyanwu’s role, the withdrawal of lawsuits related to Rivers State, and halting moves to declare a state of emergency—Wike asserts these agreements were blatantly violated.

“It is disheartening to note that even before the Bukola Saraki Reconciliation Committee began its work, the gentleman’s agreement we reached was already being crudely violated,” Wike lamented. He cited how Seyi Makinde allegedly conspired with Enugu State Governor Peter Mba to push for Ude Okoye’s endorsement as party secretary, threatening to withdraw South-East support if their demands were not met.

Moreover, Wike highlighted a series of procedural manipulations at the PDP National Secretariat, where attempts were allegedly made to have the Deputy National Secretary act in place of the legally recognized National Secretary. This, he argued, directly undermines judicial rulings and further fragments party unity.

The minister also noted a specific instance in Jos, where a PDP zonal congress was cancelled due to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) refusing to attend. The refusal, Wike stated, was because the letter of invitation was not signed by Senator Anyanwu—the legally recognized secretary—thus making the process invalid.

Frustrated and disappointed, Wike emphasized his historical commitment to the PDP, stating that his loyalty dates back to 1998 and that he has given more to the party than many of his current adversaries. Despite playing a key role in the electoral successes of several governors, Wike insisted that he never leveraged his influence for personal gain.

“What is more painful,” he said, “is that I contributed substantially to most of these governors winning their elections, yet I have not made any personal demands on any of them and I would never do so.”

As the North-Central zonal elections further deepened internal conflicts, Wike affirmed that his patience had run out. With trust eroded and agreements repeatedly flouted, the former Rivers State governor is now resolute in his decision to fight on “until justice is attained.”

This declaration not only signals a new low in the PDP’s internal strife but also portends potential schisms ahead of critical national and state elections. Political observers fear that Wike’s withdrawal could galvanize factions within the party, disrupt strategic planning, and weaken PDP’s electoral cohesion at a time when the party is already grappling with dwindling public confidence.

As the PDP inches closer to another round of internal elections and candidate selections, the lingering question remains: Can the party heal itself from within, or is it destined to fracture under the weight of its unresolved tensions?

Wike’s latest move has undoubtedly shifted the battle lines. What happens next could define the PDP’s fate in the coming political cycles.