FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Withdraws From PDP Reconciliation Agreements, Cites Betrayal By Party Leaders.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced his withdrawal from all reconciliation agreements within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing key party leaders of betrayal and dishonesty. The former Rivers State governor made the declaration in a strongly worded statement titled “PDP Crisis: My Position,” released on Sunday, vowing to “fight on until justice is attained.”
Wike, a prominent PDP figure and member of the influential G5 group, pointed to the persistent internal turmoil plaguing the party since the 2023 general elections. He accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of being the “architect” of the party’s woes, alleging that Makinde’s failure to honour agreements has deepened the PDP’s divisions. “Non-adherence to agreements reached is the bane of the party, and he [Makinde] is the chief culprit of this anomaly,” Wike stated.
The minister highlighted specific breaches of agreements reached during reconciliation efforts, including a meeting at former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s guest house in Abuja. Key resolutions, such as upholding Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the PDP National Secretary in line with a Supreme Court ruling, withdrawing legal actions related to Rivers State, and discontinuing a suit seeking a state of emergency, were allegedly violated. Wike claimed that Makinde, in collaboration with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, orchestrated moves to undermine these agreements, including pushing for the Deputy National Secretary to act as National Secretary, a move Wike described as “distasteful, provocative, and annoying.”
A notable incident cited by Wike occurred on 24 May 2025, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) boycotted a PDP zonal elective congress in Jos, Plateau State, because the invitation letter was signed by the Deputy National Secretary, Ude Okoye, rather than Anyanwu, the recognised National Secretary. Wike argued that such actions violate party agreements and destabilise the PDP’s structure.
Wike’s grievances extend beyond procedural disputes. He expressed personal dismay, noting his long-standing commitment to the PDP since 1998 and lamenting that individuals he helped elevate politically have now turned against him. “It is on record that none of these persons have done anything close to what I have done to sustain this party,” he said, underscoring his frustration with the party’s leadership.
The PDP has yet to issue an official response to Wike’s statement, and neither Makinde nor Mbah have commented as of press time. The announcement comes days before the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, adding to the tension within Nigeria’s major opposition party, which has been grappling with leadership crises and defections since its 2023 election loss.
Wike’s decision follows a history of strained relations within the PDP, including his fallout with former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar after the 2023 primaries and ongoing tensions with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Despite his role as FCT Minister under President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, Wike has maintained his PDP membership, though his actions, including working against the PDP in the 2023 elections, have drawn accusations of anti-party activities.
The PDP Governors Forum, which previously criticised Wike for threatening to “set fire” in states supporting Fubara, has called for dialogue and reconciliation, urging party members to use established mechanisms like the Bukola Saraki-led reconciliation committee. However, Wike’s withdrawal signals a deepening rift, raising questions about the PDP’s unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the PDP navigates this crisis, observers warn that unresolved internal conflicts could further weaken its position as an opposition force. Wike’s next steps remain unclear, but his vow to fight for justice suggests that the PDP’s challenges are far from over.
For updates on this developing story, contact the PDP National Secretariat or follow statements from the FCT Ministry.