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“A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party has expressed concern about the silence of the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, regarding claims made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Wike asserted that he had notified Damagum in writing when he was nominated by President Bola Tinubu for a ministerial position, and the absence of a response is causing worry.

Despite the ongoing challenge by the PDP and its 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, against Bola Tinubu’s declaration as the winner of the February 25 presidential election, Wike accepted a cabinet position. He further dared any PDP member to suspend him, which has unsettled Atiku’s camp. In response, Atiku reminded Wike that sanctions would be applied at the appropriate time.

However, party leaders are concerned that Wike’s continued membership in the PDP poses a significant threat to Atiku’s political aspirations within the party. A chieftain, who preferred to remain anonymous, remarked, ‘It is still astonishing that Damagum has not addressed Wike’s claim of writing to him. Why is Damagum silent? Has he presented the letter to the National Working Committee (NWC) members? Do they know about it? Perhaps, he needs more time to deliberate and decide on a course of action.’

He continued, ‘Some of us have offered private interventions, but our advice has been disregarded thus far. This is not the PDP we are accustomed to. I am not aware of anyone ever publicly boasting about being bigger than the PDP. First, it is a matter of concern that a PDP member would be nominated to serve in a government whose legitimacy the party is challenging in court. Furthermore, it is disconcerting that the NEC and NWC are seemingly unfazed by these developments.’

A member of the National Working Committee, speaking anonymously, suggested that unless Wike is expelled from the PDP, Atiku will struggle to establish a meaningful opposition ahead of the next election cycle. ‘There is a reason Wike is boasting in this manner. Many people are making claims without full knowledge. Some have alleged that party leadership cannot challenge him because Wike provided them with substantial financial support. The reality is that Wike was not the only governor who financially supported the PDP to remain a formidable opposition party.'”

“He further emphasized, ‘If Wike’s supporters dominate the NWC, Atiku cannot maintain firm control over party affairs. This is the challenging situation we find ourselves in.’

In the meantime, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, has assured party members that Wike no longer holds the power to dictate the party’s direction. Osadolor stated, ‘The PDP does not belong exclusively to Wike; he cannot impede the party’s progress. While there are issues to address, they will be resolved. Atiku is a democrat who upholds the rule of law. The Presidential Election Petition Court will soon issue its ruling, and then Nigerians will determine whether Wike truly wields control over the PDP or not. Let’s exercise patience.'”