The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is taking decisive action against alleged anti-party activities within its ranks, focusing on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and several former governors.
According to the PDP National Disciplinary Committee, headed by ex-Foreign Affairs Minister, Tom Ikimi, a thorough investigation is underway following reports from the National Working Committee.
Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, along with Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, are at the center of the controversy.
These members, collectively known as the G-5, reportedly opposed the party’s directives and undermined its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the contentious 2023 elections.
The crux of the discord stems from a fallout over the refusal of the former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, to step down in favor of a southern candidate, which splintered the party’s unity.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, confirmed to Sunday Punch that Wike and the other former governors involved are being summoned to appear before the panel to address the allegations.
“People are not getting these things; Nigerians have been saying that there is no opposition and that PDP is not active, but now we have constituted two committees to probe the alleged involvement of members in anti-party and sabotage on the party’s chances.
“One of the committees is to reconcile and the other is to discipline where you find defaulters. None of them has sat; what I said previously was that the committees had commenced work. They are doing a letter to Wike and several others that have been petitioned so that they can come and explain their roles as alleged in the elections, pre and post,” Abdullahi said.
When asked if other former G-5 members would also be probed, Abdullahi said, “Yes, if Wike will be summoned, I do not know why others will be exempted. If Wike who is still holding a federal appointment and is even the leader of the ring will be called upon, then it suffices to say that those ones (other G-5 members) are automatic.”
The PDP chieftain insisted the probe of Wike and the others would not cause division in the party but rather instill discipline among members and prevent future reoccurrence of anti-party activity.
Meanwhile, a senior member of the PDP NWC, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to comment, confirmed that the NWC had submitted the report on anti-party activities of Wike and others to the Ikimi’s committee.
The source, however, said the panel had yet to invite Wike and others for the probe.
“Yes, the NWC has handed over reports on anti-party activities and other relevant information to the disciplinary committee chaired by Ikimi.
“But I don’t think they have invited Wike or anybody. You should ask Ikimi, or anyone who told you to provide evidence that Wike has been invited”, the source added.