I’II Monitor Oyo Politics, Protect PDP From ‘Vampires’ — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he is closely following developments within the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, insisting that his interest is driven by a desire to see the party survive and succeed.

Wike made the remarks on Monday while speaking at the 105th meeting of the PDP’s National Executive Committee in Abuja.

He told party leaders that his focus was not limited to one state but extended to the overall stability and progress of the PDP across the country.

“Let me declare my interest clearly: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in all the happenings in Oyo State PDP. That is all I am interested in,” he said.

During his address, the former Rivers State governor spoke about the party’s internal disputes, ongoing legal issues and the need to reposition the PDP ahead of future elections.

He dismissed claims that party members were being intimidated, arguing that recent court cases had weakened such threats.

“Who will intimidate us to the end? Some of us, by the grace of God, do not see what anyone can threaten us with. The legal battle has collapsed. They have no option but to recognise the Caretaker Committee,” Wike stated.

He also warned against what he described as attempts by “vampires” to hijack the party’s structure across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, stressing that such efforts must be resisted.

According to him, the party is now waiting for clear guidance from the Caretaker Committee, particularly on the conduct of delayed congresses, which he said are essential for organising a credible national convention.

“They have no choice. We are waiting for the Caretaker Committee to give direction on the next steps, especially to ensure that congresses already due are conducted, after which we move to the National Convention,” he said.

Wike urged PDP members to abandon what he described as a culture of entitlement and return to grassroots mobilisation, warning against treating the party as a charity.

“Go to the wards. Go to the polling units. Go to the grassroots. Forget the idea that this is a charity organisation. Many people move from place to place without any political identity,” he cautioned.

He rejected the view that a political party’s strength depends solely on having incumbent governors, recalling his own rise within the party.

“Some people believe that if you do not have a sitting governor, then you are nothing. Who told them that? I was not a governor when I became governor. We were told we were not governors, but we became governors,” he said.

Despite the challenges facing the PDP, Wike maintained that the party remains a strong political force capable of recovery.

“The PDP is too strong, very strong. We must capitalise on what we have and move forward,” he added.

While acknowledging peace appeals from the Board of Trustees and the National Working Committee, he cautioned party members to remain alert, warning that efforts to destabilise the PDP were ongoing.

“Yes, the BoT has appealed for peace. Yes, the NWC has appealed for peace that is their responsibility. But those of us following the process must be extremely careful. We must be vigilant,” he said.

He expressed confidence that such attempts would not succeed, urging members to stay united.

“They will not give up until they believe you are destroyed. But I will not be destroyed. You will not be destroyed. Let us move forward,” Wike said.

The FCT minister also highlighted the party’s internal capacity, pointing to its legal and organisational officers as assets in navigating the current situation.

“We have a competent Legal Adviser. We have a competent National Organising Secretary. Experience matters. When we combine our collective experience, the results will speak for themselves,” he said.

Wike concluded by thanking NEC members for attending the meeting at short notice and encouraged them to remain committed to rebuilding the PDP as a strong opposition party.

Its party bloc has fixed March 28 and 29, 2026, for its national convention in Abuja, where the party will elect a new National Working Committee and other statutory organs.

The announcement followed the faction’s 105th meeting of the PDP National Executive Committee held on Monday in Abuja.

The decision follows a Federal High Court ruling in Ibadan, which nullified the PDP’s National Convention held between November 15 and 16, 2025, that produced Taminu Turaki as the PDP National Chairman.

The court also affirmed that the Caretaker Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu remains the only recognised NWC, pending a valid national convention.

Meanwhile, the party is ramping up efforts to bury its internal crisis, with the Board of Trustees and National Caretaker Committee pledging unwavering commitment to unity, judicial compliance, and swift preparations for congresses leading to a national convention.

At the BoT’s 85th meeting held at the official residence of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, the Chairman Mao Ohuabunwa painted a picture of the party at a “critical crossroads,” urging leaders to prioritise collective interests over personal ambitions. He highlighted how PDP had endured months of leadership wrangles and court battles, crediting its resilience to robust institutions and constitutional fidelity.

Ohuabunwa defended delays in state congresses as a prudent nod to ongoing judicial processes, insisting it was no shirking of duty. “The PDP chose legality over expediency and patience over provocation,” he declared. “History will judge the party kindly for upholding the rule of law.”

He hailed a recent Federal High Court ruling in Ibadan that upheld the legitimacy of the Abdulrahman-led Caretaker Committee, calling on members to honor judicial verdicts and shun divisive talk that erodes democratic norms.

“With the legal fog lifting, the focus must now shift to reconciliation, rebuilding trust and laying the groundwork for orderly congresses and a credible national convention,” Ohuabunwa added, framing unity as the party’s survival lifeline.

Committee Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed thanked the BoT for its rock-solid backing amid turbulent times and nodded to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s support, which he said boosted their mandate. Holidays are over, Mohammed stressed—it’s time for action.

“The Ibadan High Court has delivered a declaratory judgment in our favour; the law is clear, and justice will continue to be pursued,” he said. “Any moment from now, we shall roll out a timetable for activities relating to outstanding congresses in some states, which will usher in a seamless national convention.”

Mohammed touted PDP as Nigeria’s sole people-centric party with nationwide reach and proven legacies, warning against complacency: “We cannot afford to sleep in our hands.” He praised stakeholders nationwide for their loyalty during these “defining times.”Nigerian product advertising

Both leaders expressed confidence that reconciliation drives and upcoming congresses would restore PDP as a formidable opposition force in Nigeria’s political arena.