The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has publicly challenged the authority of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, asserting that the forum lacks the power to dictate party leadership.
His comments come amidst a growing dispute over the appointment of acting party officials.
During a media chat in Abuja, Wike clarified that the Governors Forum is merely a “pressure group” capable of influencing the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), but not replacing its functions.
He refuted claims that the forum could unilaterally appoint an acting national secretary, stating, “You do not have the authority to say that somebody should be acting as the national secretary when there is a national secretary who has not resigned; you cannot do that.”
Wike also dismissed suggestions that the forum could establish zoning committees, emphasising that such actions are outside their purview.
He criticised the forum’s public pronouncements, arguing that internal influence is more effective than open directives.
“The issue is, who is the one laying the foundation for crisis in the PDP?” he questioned, suggesting that the forum’s actions created unnecessary conflict.
He further clarified the process for electing party officials, stating that the national secretary, an elected position, can only be replaced through a national convention.
“A national secretary of a party that was elected; he was never appointed, yet it was zoned to a particular area, and he was elected by the delegates at the national convention, and if there is anyone to remove the national secretary of the party, it will be done during the national convention,” Wike explained.
Wike’s statements underscore a growing rift within the PDP, as he challenges the perceived overreach of the Governors Forum.
He advocated for a more nuanced approach, where governors exert influence behind the scenes rather than issuing public directives. His comments have ignited further debate within the party, raising questions about the appropriate role of the Governors Forum in PDP affairs.
