By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Amid rising calls for his expulsion from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Sunday made a defiant appearance at a high-stakes party strategy meeting in Abuja, shocking political observers and stoking fresh debate over the PDP’s internal stability.
The closed-door session, held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge and convened by Governor Bala Mohammed, was attended by top party chieftains including PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, Governors Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau and Ademola Adeleke of Osun, as well as former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Liyel Imoke, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Achike Udenwa, and Senator Seriake Dickson.
Wike’s attendance came in the heat of a fierce internal battle, with some stakeholders accusing him of sabotaging the party from within and pushing for his outright removal. His arrival—after key figures had already taken their seats—was seen by some insiders as a daring political move aimed at reasserting his relevance in the PDP’s strategic direction.
One party official, who attended the meeting but asked not to be named, described the moment as “tense but revealing,” noting, “Wike knows he’s controversial within the PDP, but he’s also strategic. His presence suggests he’s not backing down without a fight.”
At the core of the friction is Wike’s perceived alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which many within the PDP believe has contributed to a wave of defections and waning public confidence. The minister’s recent public spats with Governor Bala Mohammed only added fuel to the fire ahead of the meeting.
Despite the tension, the agenda reportedly included plans to restructure the National Working Committee (NWC), confirm Ambassador Damagum as the substantive national chairman, and set a clear path forward ahead of the 2027 general elections. Discussions also touched on opposition coalitions and the upcoming Anambra governorship race.
A senior PDP source said, “This meeting could make or break the party. We’re either going to come out united or we’re going to implode before the next election cycle.”
While some leaders accuse Wike of playing a divisive role, others argue he remains an asset capable of jolting the PDP into strategic repositioning. His supporters frame him as a bold voice the party cannot afford to ignore.
As at press time, the outcome of the meeting was yet to be disclosed. However, the presence of key power players and Wike’s dramatic reentry into the conversation may prove pivotal in shaping the PDP’s fate ahead of another election cycle.