PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike Challenges Makinde’s Faction Over Party Control

PDP crisis deepens as Wike challenges Makinde’s faction to open party account and secretariat, sparking fresh exchanges over leadership legitimacy.

By Chisom Adaeze

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified following fresh remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who challenged the faction aligned with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to establish an official party bank account and secretariat if it truly controls the opposition party structure.

Wike, speaking during a live media chat in Abuja, insisted that the faction led by Makinde and other party leaders lacks the legal authority to operate as the authentic leadership of the PDP. He argued that only a recognised party structure could open official accounts, collect nomination fees, and manage party finances.

According to him, any attempt by the rival camp to open a PDP account would expose what he described as their lack of legitimacy. He further challenged former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), and others in the faction to publicly test their claim to leadership.

“If they are sure they are the authentic leadership of the PDP, let them open an official PDP account and ask party members to pay nomination fees into it. That day, you will see what will happen,” Wike said.

He maintained that financial institutions would not recognise such an account without proper legal documentation and authentic party leadership, adding that the faction does not possess the required authority.

However, the Makinde-led faction dismissed Wike’s comments, describing them as “baseless” and a reflection of political frustration. In a strongly worded response, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, accused Wike of engaging in political misconduct and attempting to destabilise the party.

The statement further described Wike’s remarks as unnecessary, insisting that legal and constitutional processes would determine the true position of the PDP leadership crisis. It also challenged him to clarify court-related issues he referenced during his media appearance.

“The truth will prevail despite attempts to spread misinformation,” the statement said, while accusing Wike of misleading Nigerians and acting outside the party’s interest.

Meanwhile, PDP chieftain Bode George also weighed in on the growing tension, accusing Wike of playing a destabilising role within the party. Speaking during an interview on Arise News, George described the FCT Minister as a “political undertaker” and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and call him to order.

George questioned Wike’s political loyalty, alleging contradictions in his actions within both the PDP and the ruling APC, particularly in Rivers State political arrangements.

The ongoing dispute highlights deepening divisions within the PDP as rival factions continue to clash over legitimacy, leadership control, and party structure, with reconciliation efforts yet to yield lasting resolution.