Wike Declares Interest In Oyo PDP, Vows To Protect Party From ‘Vampires’ (video)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWoR7mBFfAE

The political rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, deepened on Monday night as the former Rivers State governor openly declared his interest in the activities of the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Wike made the declaration while speaking at the party’s 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, where he also pledged to defend the PDP against what he described as internal “vampires” bent on undermining the party.

Both Wike and Makinde were members of the influential G5 governors bloc ahead of the 2023 general elections, but their alliance collapsed shortly after the polls, giving way to a sustained power struggle within the party.

Addressing party leaders and stakeholders, Wike said his interest in Oyo PDP was rooted in his broader concern for the party’s national stability and success.

“Let me declare my interest clearly: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in all the happenings in Oyo State PDP. That is all I am interested in,” he said.

The minister insisted that his position should not be misinterpreted as an attempt to intimidate any faction, stressing that recent court rulings had strengthened the standing of the PDP’s current leadership structure.

Speaking on the lingering leadership crisis within the party, Wike said those opposing the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee had exhausted their legal options.

“The legal battle has collapsed. They have no option but to recognise the Caretaker Committee,” he stated.

He accused some party members of attempting to control the PDP across the 36 states and the FCT for personal gain, describing them as “vampires” feeding off the party’s internal divisions.

Wike said the way was now clear for the Caretaker Committee to steer the PDP towards its long-awaited elective national convention.

“We are waiting for the Caretaker Committee to give direction on the next steps, especially to ensure that congresses already due are conducted, after which we move to the National Convention,” he said.

In a broader message to party faithful, Wike cautioned against what he termed a “charity mentality” in politics, urging members to build structures at the grassroots rather than depend solely on sitting governors for relevance.

“Go to the wards. Go to the polling units. Go to the grassroots. Forget the idea that this is a charity organisation,” he said. “Some people believe that if you do not have a sitting governor, then you are nothing. Who told them that? I was not a governor when I became governor.”

While acknowledging appeals by the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Working Committee (NWC) for a cessation of hostilities, Wike warned that peace within the party must be matched with vigilance.

“Yes, the BoT has appealed for peace. Yes, the NWC has appealed for peace. That is their responsibility. But those of us following the process must be extremely careful,” he said.

Despite the internal tensions, Wike maintained that the PDP remains a formidable political force, urging leaders and members to draw on their collective experience to overcome current challenges...