A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has declared that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is no longer a member of the party, insisting his expulsion remains valid.
Speaking amid ongoing tensions within the opposition party, George said Wike lacks the authority to speak for or represent any faction of the PDP. The minister of the FCT had gone ahead to organise the PDP convention yesterday in Abuja.
“He said he is leading a faction of PDP. Which faction? He is no longer a member of our party. Their expulsion stands as at today. So, it doesn’t make any sense for him to be using Federal Government agents, from Abuja to Rivers, intimidating Nigerians, and claiming to be speaking on behalf of a faction of PDP,” he said.
George also rejected the legitimacy of any parallel convention organised by Wike and his allies, stressing that such actions have no recognition within the party structure.
“Wike and other jesters have no authority to hold any national convention in the name of PDP. This is Tinubu’s administration, not Wike’s administration. No one, I repeat, no one, no matter how influential or power-drunk, should be allowed to undermine the will of Nigerians,” he stated.
Beyond Wike’s status, the PDP elder alleged a broader political agenda aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency of interference.
“You can see the hand of APC and Presidency in every crisis across political parties. They don’t want another party to field a Presidential candidate against Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. They are wasting their time,” he said.
He maintained that any attempt to destabilise the PDP would ultimately fail, describing the situation as deceptive and orchestrated.
“They think PDP’s approach to normalcy and constitutionalism is stupidity. We are calm, cool and composed because of Nigeria,” George added, likening the situation to “the biblical voice of Jacob and the hand of Esau.”
George further warned of wider implications for Nigeria’s stability, cautioning that prolonged political tension could have continental consequences.
“If there is any crisis in Nigeria, it will affect the whole of Africa. With a character like Wike, I pray Nigeria does not blow up,” he said.
He also accused the Presidency of exerting undue influence over institutions, including the electoral body, suggesting that due processes were being compromised.
The former deputy national chairman concluded that the PDP would withstand the current challenges, insisting that efforts to dismantle the party ahead of 2027 are bound to fail.
