The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, appears to be consolidating his influence over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following the official return to duty of his close ally and embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Despite a strategic Sunday-night meeting by PDP governors seeking a unified path forward, Anyanwu resumed office on Monday and, alongside acting National Chairman Amb. Illya Damagum, submitted the party’s Anambra governorship candidate list to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter dated May 7, 2025, PDP formally presented Jude C. Ezenwafor as its governorship flagbearer with Francis Chukwudi Okene as running mate for the November election. The action complies with INEC’s earlier advisory that only correspondences from the National Secretary would be recognized.
This development stems from the Supreme Court’s March 21 ruling, which nullified Anyanwu’s sacking and reinstated him, ending a prolonged internal leadership dispute.
With only the National Secretary constitutionally empowered to summon the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, political watchers see this moment as a power shift firmly tilting in Wike’s favor. Many National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) members are said to lean toward Wike’s faction, giving him considerable sway ahead of crucial party decisions, including the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket.
Wike, known to maintain close ties with the ruling APC and President Bola Tinubu, is expected to influence the PDP moves, possibly supporting a presidential candidate from either the north or south, depending on what aligns with broader political calculations.
During a press briefing in Abuja, the former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike dismissed criticisms that he was destabilizing the PDP. “Tearing the party? No. I’m rebuilding it,” he said. “Only the National Chairman or Secretary can sign documents submitted to INEC. If not properly handled, we risk legal disqualification of our candidates.”
Wike also warned that any NEC meeting not summoned by Anyanwu would be challenged in court, citing Supreme Court precedence.
PDP Governors and Stakeholders Seek Reforms
In a bid to address the party’s leadership crisis, PDP governors and major stakeholders held a high-level meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, on Sunday night.
The meeting was attended by several PDP governors and former governors, including Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). Notable former governors like Bukola Saraki, Sam Egwu, Liyel Imoke, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Sule Lamido also participated.
Following deliberations, the party established a seven-man strategy committee headed by Senator Bukola Saraki, tasked with ensuring a rancour-free NEC meeting on May 27 and preparing for the forthcoming national convention.
Other committee members include Governors Dauda Lawal, Caleb Mutfwang, Peter Mbah, and former governors Seriake Dickson, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and Okezie Ikpeazu.
Saraki shared via his official X handle:
“We had a fruitful deliberation. The committee is focused on preparing for a unified party direction and a successful convention.”
Meanwhile, the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) has inaugurated 39 new members to reinforce party unity. BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, reassured members that despite recent defections, the PDP remains resilient.
Speaking during the inauguration, Wabara said, “This occasion reaffirms our commitment to PDP values. As custodians of our party’s conscience, BoT members must provide stability and wise counsel.”
The internal storm continues to rage as the Conference of Professionals in the PDP (CP-PDP) issued a statement demanding Wike’s expulsion from the party. The group criticized his consistent alignment with the APC and his threats to litigate against PDP decisions.
CP-PDP Chairman, Obinna Nwachukwu, stated:
“Wike’s media outbursts and support for APC in FCT and 2027 elections are detrimental to PDP’s revival. His expulsion is essential for party stability.”
The group called on the Saraki-led committee to expedite Wike’s removal ahead of the NEC meeting, warning that failure to act could deepen PDP’s internal rift.
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