By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA — A significant rift has emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the camp loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has publicly rejected the Southern Leaders’ Zoning Consultative meeting held in Lagos, ahead of the party’s National Elective Convention in November. This opposition sets the stage for a major political showdown, with a crucial PDP Governors’ Forum meeting scheduled for Saturday in Zamfara State to address the brewing crisis.
In a statement signed by key stakeholders, including party chairmen from Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states, Wike’s allies dismissed any outcomes from the Lagos meeting as “neither binding on, nor reflective of the collective will” of the party’s Southern members. They condemned the gathering as “illegally” and “Nicodemously” convened, insisting it was held without proper consultation and with the deliberate exclusion of several state chairmen, national officers, and other prominent leaders.
“Decisions reached in secrecy and exclusion cannot and shall not assume the authority of consensus,” the statement read, warning the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) to disregard the meeting’s resolutions or face “appropriate steps” to resist them.
Makinde Responds, PDP Governors to Meet
Reacting to the criticism, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, a key figure in the opposing camp, defended the Lagos meeting, stating it was aimed at repositioning the PDP into a stronger and more vibrant party. He stressed that he would not “go into the gutters” with his detractors, adding that the focus should be on building a united party before discussing presidential aspirations.
Among the dignitaries who attended the Lagos meeting were PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Enugu State Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai.
Meanwhile, a reliable source within the PDP NWC revealed that the party’s governors will convene on Saturday to chart a course forward. The primary agenda is to ensure a smooth convention in Ibadan, with governors reportedly prepared to apply both “political solutions” and “force through the organs and instruments of the party” to resolve outstanding issues.
Wike Affirms Support for Tinubu Allies
In a separate development that adds to the intra-party tensions, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike publicly stated his support for individuals who align with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, regardless of their political affiliation.
Speaking at the flag-off of a water supply project in Abuja, Wike commended a local official for having “access to the government” and delivering development to the people. “Anybody who supports Tinubu, I will support him,” Wike said, indicating that his political allegiance now extends beyond the PDP’s traditional boundaries.