By: Daure David
On September 28, 2024, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was honored with a grand civic reception organized by the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress in Port Harcourt. Although the event was ostensibly meant to celebrate Wike’s political achievements, it soon devolved into a platform for him to take swipes at his political adversaries, especially within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His boastful and provocative remarks, however, further expose the widening fissures within the party and bring into focus the ongoing power struggles that could destabilize its future.
Wike, known for his combative style, did not hold back in Port Harcourt. One of the most striking claims made during his speech was that he was solely responsible for making an Ijaw man, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State. This assertion was a clear dismissal of the contributions of influential figures like Elder Edwin Clark, Asari Dokubo and the Electorates whose roles in the political development of Rivers State and the Ijaw community are undeniable. While Wike’s comments may have been designed to strengthen his political standing, they came at the expense of veteran politicians who have played key roles in shaping the region’s political landscape.
Wike’s tendency to rewrite political history is not surprising, given his own rise to power, which was largely facilitated by the support of political titans like former Governors Peter Odili, Rotimi Amaechi, and former President Goodluck Jonathan. None of these figures have ever publicly claimed to have “made” Wike, yet he conveniently omits their influence, perhaps in an attempt to solidify his own narrative. This pattern of rewriting history underscores a recurring problem in Nigerian politics: the tendency of politicians to claim credit for the achievements of others while forgetting their own benefactors.
Further compounding the issue was Wike’s dismissive tone toward those who might challenge his position within the PDP. He proclaimed that any threats against him were “empty” and claimed that no one could take control of the party’s structure. While this statement was intended to project confidence, it overlooks the reality that political power is fluid and often transient. The backing Wike currently enjoys from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will not last forever, and as the political landscape shifts, Wike’s hold on power could weaken.
Wike’s political relationship with Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri also signals growing divisions within the PDP. Once a strong ally, Fintiri now finds himself at odds with Atiku Abubakar, particularly in light of recent actions that oppose the interests of Atiku Abubakar. Fintiri, who benefited from Wike’s financial support in the past, is now embroiled in a strained relationship with the his benefactor Atiku. This rift adds another layer of complexity to the party’s already fragile unity and how PDP in Adamawa State is divided.
Additionally, Wike’s alliance with the G-5 governors—who had previously stood against the PDP leadership—continues to reflect his influence over certain governors. However, their unity has become increasingly tenuous, and their loyalty to the party’s larger objectives is now in question. Wike’s ability to control these governors and manipulate party structures may give him temporary advantages, but this kind of political maneuvering threatens to further fracture the party, which has already been destabilized by internal power struggles.
Wike’s current political strategy—marked by his attempts to consolidate power and elevate his political allies, including Governor Seyi Makinde as a potential presidential candidate—has the potential to further divide the PDP. This is especially true when considering the growing opposition from other PDP leaders, such as Atiku Abubakar, who is widely seen as a political strategist with deep roots in the party. If Wike’s power plays continue, they will likely lead to further fragmentation and infighting within the PDP, making it even harder for the party to mount an effective challenge to the ruling APC.
The situation is further exacerbated by the actions of the current National Working Committee (NWC), including Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, who is perceived by many as carrying out Wike’s bidding. While Wike and his allies may experience temporary successes, the long-term consequences of their actions on the party remain uncertain. Without a concerted effort toward reconciliation, PDP risks imploding under the weight of these internal divisions.
Looking ahead to the PDP’s upcoming convention, it is clear that the party’s future depends on unity and strategic leadership. The party must move away from internal squabbling and personal ambitions in favor of prioritizing cohesion and inclusivity. A failure to do so could not only lead to further fragmentation but also pave the way for the APC to consolidate its power, leaving PDP irrelevant in Nigerian politics.
Finally, while Wike’s recent remarks were intended to assert his political dominance, they illustrate the larger crisis facing the PDP. The minister’s tactics, characterized by undermining allies and manipulating party structures for personal gain, threaten to tear the party apart. For the PDP to reclaim its relevance and influence, it must focus on unity, strategy, and cooperation, putting an end to divisive power struggles and self-serving politics.
