Wike Declares PDP United, Invites Defectors Back as Party Moves Past Crisis

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called on former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to return, saying their exit was largely driven by internal uncertainty rather than disloyalty.

Speaking on Monday at the party’s 108th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Wike’s faction of the PDP announced that the party has resolved its internal challenges and is now focused on reconciliation and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Top party figures present at the meeting included factional National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara, Board of Trustees Chairman Mao Ohuabunwa, and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, all of whom emphasised unity and rebuilding efforts.

Wike pointed to the use of the party’s National Secretariat as evidence of legitimacy.

“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.”

He encouraged outreach to defectors, noting that uncertainty about party leadership had pushed many away.

“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.”

He added:

“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.”

Declaring a new phase for the party, Takushara said:

“The era of uncertainty is behind us. The era of strategy, consolidation, and electoral preparation has begun today.”

He assured members that the PDP would adhere strictly to constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, and INEC guidelines, with plans for transparent primaries.

Ohuabunwa, speaking for the Board of Trustees, called for inclusiveness:

“There is no room for exclusion, rather, there should only be room for inclusion, understanding and collective progress.”

He also referenced ongoing reforms such as electronic membership registration to strengthen party structures.

Addressing concerns about division, Anyanwu rejected claims of factionalisation.

“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 revealed that a reconciliation committee would soon be established to engage party stakeholders nationwide and noted that the timetable for primaries would be announced by the National Working Committee in line with INEC regulations.

In its resolutions, the NEC praised the party leadership for stabilising the PDP and affirmed that the crisis period had ended. It endorsed reforms to boost transparency and grassroots participation, adopted a timetable for the 2027 primaries, and urged members to remain disciplined and committed to party unity.

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