‘No faction in PDP’; Wike offers defectors soft landing
By Luminous Jannamike, ABUJA
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday offered a political olive branch to former members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, saying many who left did so because of internal uncertainty, not disloyalty, as the party declared its crisis over and shifted focus to preparations for 2027.
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At its 108th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, the PDP faction loyal to the minister said it has moved past its internal challenges, restored its structure, and is focusing on reconciliation, rebuilding trust, and early preparations for the next general elections.
Wike; factional National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara; factional Board of Trustees Chairman, Mao Ohuabunwa; and factional National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, all addressed the meeting, focusing on unity, reconciliation, and preparations for future elections.
“What shows that you are the authentic PDP is because you are holding your meeting at the National Secretariat. If there is any other PDP, let them come to the National Secretariat and hold their own meeting,” Wike said.
He said the reclaiming of the party’s national secretariat demonstrates the legitimacy of the current leadership.
He urged the leadership to engage members who had defected, stating that many left due to uncertainty within the party at the time.
“Most of them may have defected because of uncertainty. If I want to run an election and I’m not sure who will sign my documents to be presented to INEC, then I will definitely find where I can get succour. But now, if you go and talk to them, I believe they will have a rethink and continue to support this party.
“I will continue to support the party. I will continue to be loyal to the party. Since 1998 till now, I’ve been a member of the PDP, and I will not leave the party,” he added.
‘Era of uncertainty is over’ — Chairman declares PDP reset
Earlier, Takushara said the PDP has concluded its period of internal crisis and is now focused on strategy and electoral preparation.
“The era of uncertainty is behind us. The era of strategy, consolidation, and electoral preparation has begun today,” he said.
He said the party is aligned with constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, the PDP will conduct transparent and inclusive primaries and strengthen its internal processes ahead of upcoming elections.
He also acknowledged the role of security agencies in protecting party assets during the crisis.
‘No room for exclusion’ — BoT
From the Board of Trustees, Ohuabunwa called for unity and adherence to party processes.
“There is no room for exclusion, rather, there should only be room for inclusion, understanding and collective progress,” he said.
He urged members to work towards cohesion and to uphold the party’s constitution and due process.
Ohuabunwa also noted ongoing reforms, including electronic membership registration, aimed at improving transparency and strengthening the party structure.
‘There is no faction’ — Anyanwu dismisses division claims
On the issue of internal divisions, Anyanwu said the PDP remains a single entity under its current leadership.
“There is only one political party… there is only one leadership of the party under the leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara, there is no faction within PDP,” he said.
He called on the media to avoid narratives suggesting otherwise.
Anyanwu said a reconciliation committee would be set up to engage stakeholders across the country.
He also said the timetable for party primaries has been structured within the framework provided by INEC and will be announced by the National Working Committee.
NEC Resolutions: Unity, reform, and 2027 preparations
In its communiqué, the NEC commended the National Working Committee for stabilising the party and expressed confidence in its leadership.
The PDP reaffirmed that it is no longer in crisis and stated that internal issues would be resolved through dialogue and party structures.
It endorsed ongoing reforms, including electronic membership registration, to improve transparency and grassroots participation.
The NEC adopted the timetable for party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections and directed members to comply with INEC guidelines.
Members were urged to remain disciplined and prioritise the party’s collective interest.
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