Wike Pulls Out of PDP Peace Deal, Blames Makinde
Wike Withdraws from PDP Reconciliation, Blames Makinde for Party Crisis
The internal crisis plaguing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated over the weekend as Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, formally announced his withdrawal from all reconciliation agreements within the party.
In a statement released on Saturday, May 25, and personally signed by him, Wike accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of being the “architect” of the ongoing discord, citing a lack of integrity and the consistent breach of previously agreed terms as key reasons for the party’s instability.
He also called out other prominent figures, including Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, for dishonesty and betrayal.
Wike said efforts to foster unity and trust following the 2023 general elections had failed due to what he described as “a virus of treachery” among key stakeholders.
He detailed a series of meetings, including one involving G5 members and another held at the Abuja residence of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, during which clear resolutions were reached.
These included affirming Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, withdrawing legal battles in Rivers State, and shelving plans for a state of emergency.
However, Wike claimed the agreements were soon violated.
He accused Makinde and Mbah of plotting to impose Ude Okoye as National Secretary through a controversial South-East leaders’ meeting and pressuring PDP officials to bypass Anyanwu by empowering the Deputy National Secretary to act in his place — actions Wike says contradict party rules and legal standards.
He cited an aborted PDP zonal congress in Jos, which was boycotted by INEC due to the improper authorization of invitation letters, as evidence of the deepening dysfunction.
Wike emphasized his long-standing commitment to the PDP since 1998 and expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of reciprocity and respect from fellow leaders — many of whom he said benefited from his political support but have failed to uphold mutual trust.
“Given the continued undermining of our agreements and the betrayal of trust, I am withdrawing from all reconciliation efforts and will continue to fight for justice within the PDP,” Wike declared.
The PDP’s leadership has yet to issue an official response to Wike’s statement. However, the latest development threatens to further fragment the party as it prepares for upcoming elections.
Wike Pulls Out of PDP Peace Deal, Blames Makinde