PDP Postpones Key Meeting Amid Turmoil Over Atiku, Wike Clash

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has put off its much-anticipated 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for May 27, 2025, as tensions rise over how to handle internal disputes involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The delay was announced in a notice signed by National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, explaining that the party’s reconciliation committee, led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, needs more time to resolve ongoing conflicts before the NEC can convene peacefully. A new date will be announced later.

Acting National Chairman Ilya Damagum didn’t hide his frustration, criticizing the party’s disciplinary committee for dragging its feet—especially on petitions against Wike’s alleged anti-party activities. Speaking on BBC Hausa’s Gane man Hanya, Damagum revealed that while the committee received around 40 petitions, it has only acted on one. He lamented that this slow response has left the party vulnerable and said there were strong grounds to expel Wike and others but action only came after the 2023 elections.

“There were clear reasons to remove these troublemakers, but nothing was done until after the polls. Now, the pressure is on me to act after the damage has been done,” Damagum said.

Former PDP National Auditor Ray Nnaji echoed calls for discipline, accusing Wike of derailing the party. “If he doesn’t want to stay, he should leave. His actions are damaging a party that gave him everything,” Nnaji said. He also criticized threats from South-East leaders over the national secretary post, urging dialogue over coercion.

PDP stalwart James Uzosike blamed leadership’s inability to act decisively for the current crisis, while Board of Trustees member Olabode George called on the NEC to take a firm stand. “If you support APC while claiming PDP membership, that’s double standards and must be dealt with,” George stated.

Meanwhile, Wike has rejected agreements meant to resolve the crisis and is openly clashing with two state governors. In a statement titled “PDP Crisis: My Position,” he accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of sabotaging efforts to heal the party. Wike claimed that despite initial commitments, Makinde and others broke promises, fueling ongoing conflict.

Wike insisted Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the rightful national secretary, in line with a Supreme Court ruling, and called for withdrawal of legal suits related to Rivers State. He described the party’s troubles as a result of dishonesty and mistrust among key players, highlighting meetings with governors Makinde, Umaru Fintri, Bala Mohammed, and Bukola Saraki where tensions ran high but some resolutions were agreed upon.

However, PDP National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyengikuro distanced the party from Wike’s claims, calling the agreements “personal” deals with friends, not official party business. Speaking in Abuja, he stressed the need for the NEC to meet and resolve disputes internally without public drama. “The party was not involved in any agreements Wike mentioned. The NEC will address the issues,” Woyengikuro said.

Contrasting views came from PDP Board of Trustees member Jones Onyereri, who questioned why anyone would backtrack on agreements brokered by respected party elders. “Why break a pact that senior members worked hard to forge? It doesn’t look good,” Onyereri told Vanguard on Sunday.

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