The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened yesterday for its first meeting in over five months, emerging with a sense of optimism regarding a swift return to stability. However, the security conditions surrounding Wadata Plaza, the venue of the closed-door meeting, suggested a contrasting narrative.
Additionally, the party has requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to declare the Delta North senatorial seat, currently held by Ned Nwoko, vacant following his recent switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a related development, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has accused PDP governors of undermining the party, labeling their recent actions as self-serving and harmful to the party’s future.
Just hours prior to the NWC meeting, suspected thugs occupied the building, obstructing access for members. Sunday Ude-Okoye, the new party secretary appointed by the Court of Appeal, managed to attend the meeting despite being warned by aides of former secretary Sam Anyanwu to stay away.
The situation took a turn when security personnel arrived and apprehended the leader of the suspected thugs. This incident is part of the ongoing leadership struggle within the PDP, where Anyanwu continues to assert his claim to the national secretary position despite an appellate court ruling to the contrary.
The Supreme Court has yet to issue a judgment on this matter. The meeting, which followed the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a motion to stay the execution of a High Court ruling that removed Anyanwu from his role, was marked by the formal introduction of Ude-Okoye to his new position.
While the specific agenda of the meeting was not disclosed, sources indicate that discussions included preparations for the upcoming Anambra governorship election and the unresolved Supreme Court case regarding the secretaryship dispute.
The discussions also encompassed the organization of the zonal congresses, as reported. In the legal case numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/454/2025, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), represented by its counsel, Dr. Ayo Asala (SAN), requested the court to promptly instruct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to fill the vacancy left by Nwoko.
The originating summons, dated February 27, 2025, identifies the PDP as the plaintiff, with Nwoko, the President of the Senate, and INEC listed as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants, respectively. Additionally, the PDP sought a court order for Nwoko to return all salaries, allowances, and other benefits he received as a senator since his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a media briefing observed in Abuja yesterday, Wike criticized the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), labeling it “stupid” for its decision to hold another South-South Zonal Congress.
The former governor of Rivers State claimed that the current group of PDP governors lacks the dedication necessary for the party’s survival, contrasting it with the commitment shown during his administration. Wike stated, “This group of governors is intent on destroying the PDP. Their sole aim is to bring about the party’s demise. When the ruling party under President Muhammadu Buhari attempted to dismantle the PDP using Ali Modu Sheriff, I stood firm. I never sought assistance from the Villa, nor did I plead for help. I even ceased attending NEC and Council of State meetings due to safety concerns. However, I was resolute in my commitment to ensure the PDP’s survival.” He accused certain PDP leaders of engaging in duplicitous politics, asserting that they publicly express one viewpoint while behaving differently in private.
Disregard those individuals who make one statement during the day and act contrary to it at night. I have consistently maintained a single stance, and I intend to continue doing so. Throughout the 2023 PDP presidential primaries, I did not solicit funds or impose conditions. My conviction was that the Presidency should be awarded to the South. I was aware of the likely victor, so I conducted my campaign transparently. In contrast, observe the current behavior of these governors – they are indecisive, straddling both sides. What does that say about their integrity?
Wike dismissed the fixation on the South-South Zonal Congress, asserting that the PDP should redirect its attention to more significant matters rather than internal power conflicts.
“All they care about is the zonal congress. Nonsense! The PDP must awaken,” he stated. When advised to temper his language on television, he responded, “What can they do when they lack credibility? I did not mention any names, but they are aware of who they are.”
Wike criticized PDP governors for not fulfilling their role as a robust opposition, instead placing their personal ambitions above the interests of the party. He cautioned that he could reveal their involvement in the ongoing turmoil.
