The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is intensifying efforts to address internal conflicts as its National Disciplinary Committee, led by former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi, has received a report on alleged anti-party activities by prominent party members, including Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The committee, which was established to handle all disciplinary matters within the party, is expected to review these allegations and take appropriate action.
Wike, who served as the Governor of Rivers State, along with several other former governors, has been accused of working against the PDP and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the 2023 elections. The accusations stem from a rift between these members, often referred to as the G-5, and the party leadership over the refusal of the then National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, to step down for a southern candidate. The G-5 group includes Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu State), Samuel Ortom (Benue State), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia State).
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed that Wike and other members accused of anti-party activities have been summoned to appear before the panel.
Abdullahi stated, “Nigerians have been saying that there is no opposition and that PDP is not active, but now we have constituted two committees to probe the alleged involvement of members in anti-party and sabotage the party’s chances.”
He emphasized that the investigation is necessary to maintain discipline within the party. Confirming that all members involved would be subject to the probe, Abdullahi added, “If Wike, who is still holding a federal appointment and is even the leader of the ring, will be called upon, then it suffices to say that those ones [other G-5 members] are automatic.”
Despite these developments, there are concerns about how the investigation will affect the unity of the party. However, Abdullahi assured that the process is intended to strengthen, rather than divide, the PDP.
He insisted, “The probe of Wike and the others would not cause division in the party but rather instill discipline among members and prevent future reoccurrence of anti-party activity.”
An unnamed senior member of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) also confirmed that reports on anti-party activities had been handed over to the disciplinary committee. However, the source noted that as of now, no formal invitations have been sent out to Wike or others implicated.
“You should ask Ikimi, or anyone who told you to provide evidence that Wike has been invited,” the source said.
When contacted, both the secretary of the panel, Eyitayo Jegede, and the chairman, Tom Ikimi, declined to comment on the matter. Ikimi cited his involvement in the Edo governorship election campaign as the reason for his unavailability.
Meanwhile, Senator Olaka Wogu, an ally of Wike, dismissed the notion that Wike had been invited by the panel as mere speculation. “The panel has not invited him [Wike]; nobody invited the man. Why should they say he has been invited when he has not been invited,” Wogu questioned.
Within the PDP, there are growing calls for severe penalties, including suspension and expulsion, for those found guilty of anti-party activities. Timothy Osadolor, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, confirmed that these measures are being considered.
However, Segun Sowunmi, a member of the reconciliation committee, urged caution in handling the situation. He warned that mishandling the issue could lead to a bigger crisis that might severely impact the party’s stability.