Connect with us

Politics

We’ve taken back PDP — Wike blasts defectors

Published

on

Spread the love

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Sunday declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been taken back by loyal members, blasting defectors, asserting control of the party, and taking a swipe at opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The remarks, delivered at the PDP’s 10th Elective National Convention in Abuja, captured what party leaders are pitching as a turning point, an attempt to move past months of internal crisis, reassert control, and reset the party for 2027, even as rival camps and opposition forces continue to circle.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a key power broker within the PDP, used the convention to frame the moment as both a victory over internal turmoil and a reset of leadership within the party.

“Today marks the rebirth of our party in a new form. Today is the birth of a united party, ready to move forward,” he said.

The convention, which was monitored by the electoral umpire, was cited by Wike as proof that the party had regained institutional footing after a prolonged dispute over its leadership.

“We have seen the convention monitored by the electoral umpire… which also tells you the importance of this gathering,” he said, commending those who organised the exercise.

Wike then shifted to a more pointed message, drawing a clear line between members who stayed through the crisis and those who left.

“Leadership is not easy. It requires courage, firmness and commitment. What we have seen, some governors leaving, only shows a lack of leadership. When crises arise, true leaders stand and resolve them; they do not run away,” he said.

He praised party members, especially at the grassroots, for staying loyal despite the uncertainty that surrounded the PDP in recent months.

“When push came to shove, you refused to be discouraged. When some who claimed to be leaders threatened and intimidated you, you endured. Through your perseverance and faith, you have brought us to this moment, and here we are, victorious,” Wike said.

At the heart of his message was the claim that the party had been restored to its base.

“More importantly, we have reclaimed and returned the party to its rightful owners, the people,” he declared.

Even so, Wike left the door open for those who left the party, urging them to return, but on the basis of unity and discipline.

“Our brothers and sisters who may have left should return and join us in rebuilding this party for the collective good. No one will be excluded; everyone will have an opportunity to serve in unity and in law,” he said.

Then, widening the target beyond his party, Wike turned his fire on the opposition, including Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate.

“What you have seen happening, the actions of a faction of some governors who have walked away, only shows that they lack a sense of leadership.

“I liken them to the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party. That candidate was given a platform by the Labour Party to pursue the presidency, yet when a crisis arose within the party, it was precisely the moment leadership was required. Instead of stepping forward to resolve the problems, he could not, and failed to provide that leadership.

“In the same way, when our governors were seeking a platform to become governors, they found one and achieved their ambition. But when crises emerged, and it was time to demonstrate leadership, vision, and courage, they ran away. That tells you who can truly stand firm in difficult times.

“It is like a family: when you have a wife, or wives, and there are problems in your household, you do not abandon your family. You remain there and work to resolve the issues. That is why I thank all of you for your commitment. You have shown leadership, real leadership.

“Let no one assume that the achievements of the President will shield anyone. This is a period of accountability. You must demonstrate your responsibility and commitment, because when crises arise, some people flee. They seek positions, even aspire to lead the country, yet when faced with challenges, they withdraw,” the FCT MInister said.

Wike also looked ahead to the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that the PDP would remain a major contender.

“By the grace of God, the PDP will be there by March 2027,” he said.

He called on members to recommit to the party and strengthen internal structures to better reflect public expectations.

“As we move forward, we must create legitimate channels through which the voices of the people will be heard and respected.

“So we must be careful about such sub-national actors. As I have said here, whether you are from Taraba, Bayelsa, or anywhere else, return our mandate. Return our mandate, that is the message I have for you,” Wike said.

 

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Politics

Reps minority whip resigns from PDP

Published

on

Spread the love

The Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Ali Isa, on  Tuesday, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing internal crisis and alleged undemocratic practices within the party.

In a resignation letter April 14, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of Kindiyo Ward in Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State, Isa said his decision takes immediate effect.

He stated that his exit was “compelled by the way and manner some undemocratic forces have hijacked the party for reasons that are contrary to the founding principles and philosophy of the party, which created a factional leadership.”

The lawmaker, who represents Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency, said he took the decision after wide consultations with key stakeholders.

“After a series of rigorous consultations with my family, political associates, friends, and relevant stakeholders, I have arrived at the conclusion that the path to my political future, as well as the political future of the great people who gave me their mandate, lies outside the PDP,” he said.

Isa added that his priority remains the welfare and political future of his constituents, noting that they deserve a more viable platform.

“It is my firm belief that the people of my constituency deserve a platform on which their interests and political future will be better guaranteed,” he stated.

He, however, thanked the PDP for the opportunity to serve.

“I wish to sincerely thank the leadership and membership of the party for giving me the platform on which the people of Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency gave me the wonderful opportunity to represent them at the National Assembly. I will ever remain grateful and wish you all the best,” he added.

Continue Reading

Politics

Six months enough to tackle insecurity if FG is serious — Ndume

Published

on

Spread the love

Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has said Nigeria’s insecurity can be decisively tackled within six months if the federal government shows sufficient commitment.

Ndume made the assertion on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he expressed concern over renewed violence in the North-East.

According to the lawmaker, ending insecurity requires decisive action, improved military capacity and strong political will.

He said, “It is not about complaining. It is not about asking somebody like me, as a senator, to say why these things. I always believe that if the President and the Federal Government of Nigeria are serious about this, we can end this thing (insecurity) in six months.

“All we need is to train our soldiers, equip them, arm them very well, and then motivate them.”

Ndume also decried the continued loss of military personnel, including senior officers, describing the trend as alarming and indicative of deeper operational challenges. He added that the army is not sufficiently equipped and the morale is down.

Our correspondent  had reported that Brigadier General Oseni Braimah was killed on April 9, 2026, in a midnight attack by terrorists on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State. Also on Monday, a colonel and six soldiers were killed by Boko Haram insurgents the state.

The senator further blamed the worsening security situation on inconsistent implementation of strategies, urging authorities to match words with action.

“We have to be very serious about this matter; we have to walk the talk,” he said.

On foreign support, Ndume emphasised the need for intelligence, technology and specialised expertise rather than reliance on external forces. He noted that Nigeria lacks adequate drone capacity and called for increased deployment of technology-driven solutions, citing examples from Burkina Faso.

“We have some capable hands on the ground; all they need is equipment, ammunition and motivation. We don’t have enough drones.

“Look at what Burkina Faso is doing; it is technology. We can use it to finish or minimise this within the shortest possible time. If we deploy drones, we have our youths that are specialists and designing it.

“In Borno, if you deploy surveillance cameras, you can see everything that is happening. In these days, you can put up surveillance cameras that can go 100 metres. Once we can escalate our military assets in Borno and everywhere, that will go a long way to reduce our problem.”

Ndume also commended Babagana Zulum for his efforts in stabilising parts of Borno State, noting that the situation would have been worse without his interventions.

“If not for the efforts of Prof Babagana Zulum (the governor) in complementing the efforts of the military in the state, Borno State would have gone down,” he said.

 

Continue Reading

Politics

David Mark Files Suit Against INEC Over ADC Leadership

Published

on

Spread the love

The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President David Mark, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to overturn a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that removed key party officials from its records.

INEC had, on April 1, deleted the names of Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary from its official website and portal, a move that has deepened the party’s internal crisis.

In a motion filed on April 7 by his counsel, Sulaiman Usman (SAN), Mark urged Justice Emeka Nwite to grant a mandatory injunction compelling INEC to restore the names of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) members pending the determination of the substantive suit.

He also asked the court to set aside INEC’s refusal to monitor or attend the ADC’s congresses and convention, arguing that such actions undermine the party’s operations

Specifically, Mark is seeking an order directing INEC to immediately reinstate and maintain the names of himself, Aregbesola, and other members of the National Executive Committee in its official records. He further requested that the court restrain the electoral body from recognising or acting on any rival leadership claims until the case is resolved.

The application follows a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal in a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe. Mark’s legal team argued that the appellate court had ordered all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum”—the last uncontested state of affairs before the dispute began.

According to Usman, as of September 2, 2025, when the suit was instituted, Mark was the duly recognised National Chairman of the party, and the leadership structure in question was already in place.

He added that the plaintiff had resigned from his previous position and no longer held any role within the ADC at the time, insisting that INEC’s actions disrupted an already established leadership order.

The court is expected to determine whether to grant the interim reliefs while the substantive case continues.

 

Continue Reading

Trending