Wike insists PDP remains united despite ongoing leadership disputes

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims of division within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), maintaining that the party remains intact despite its ongoing internal crisis.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday after inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike argued that reports of factionalisation were misleading. According to him, there is only one recognised leadership of the party, backed by court rulings, and disagreements among members do not translate into a split.

“We have only one PDP, no faction,” he said, adding that while some individuals may be dissatisfied, that does not amount to the existence of parallel structures within the party.

He also noted that preparations for the party’s national convention are ongoing, stressing that reconciliation efforts can still take place alongside such activities. In his words, internal disagreements are part of political dynamics and can be resolved over time without threatening the unity of the party.

Crisis Deepens After Court Ruling and Parallel Conventions

The PDP’s internal tensions escalated following a recent Court of Appeal judgment that nullified the party’s national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025. That convention had produced Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as national chairman, a development widely linked to a faction believed to be aligned with Seyi Makinde.

In response to the ruling, another bloc within the party, reportedly loyal to Wike, moved ahead with plans for a separate national convention scheduled for March 28 in Abuja. The situation further intensified as parallel ward, zonal, and state congresses were conducted across the country, reinforcing perceptions of division within the party.

Despite these developments, Wike maintained that such disagreements do not invalidate the party’s unity. He suggested that reconciliation remains possible, even as different groups pursue their interests ahead of the convention.

FCT Projects Progress Amid Political Tensions

Beyond party politics, Wike also spoke on his role as FCT minister, highlighting ongoing infrastructure development within Abuja. He emphasised the administration’s commitment to regularly monitoring projects to ensure they meet quality standards and are completed on schedule.

According to him, a bridge project located near the Fire Service is progressing steadily, with contractors indicating it could be completed within the next five months. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work observed so far.

Wike also confirmed the completion of the N5 road project handled by Julius Berger, noting that it is set to be inaugurated as part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

While political tensions continue to shape conversations around the PDP, Wike’s remarks signal an attempt to project stability within the party, even as competing interests and legal battles persist behind the scenes.

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