Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has warned governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that their continued sidelining of him in party matters could lead to the collapse of the party.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Wike expressed displeasure over his exclusion from key consultations despite his long-standing role in the PDP.
“Have I not said it before now that the booby trap you are setting will consume you? The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party,” he said.
The minister questioned why he was being left out of major decisions simply because he no longer serves as a governor. “I am the FCT Minister. Are you telling me that because I am not a governor, you will hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting and exclude me, and then expect the party to survive?” he asked.
Wike maintained that his contributions to the PDP over the years warranted his inclusion in major consultations, adding, “Assuming I am not a minister, by the role I have played in the PDP till now, is it right to say I cannot be consulted in taking decisions of the party? Certainly not.”
He also dismissed claims that the party’s troubles were caused by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting the PDP’s woes were self-inflicted. “All these talks about APC are rubbish. Is it APC that makes you take wrong decisions? You mean two or three people, because they are governors and receive large allocations, will go and decide, and you tell me to follow? Follow who?” he queried.
On the party’s upcoming national convention, Wike accused the leadership of failing to conclude key processes, including state congresses. “If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,” he added.
The PDP has been grappling with internal divisions and a series of defections involving key figures such as Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, alongside ongoing legal disputes ahead of its planned convention.
