PDP in turmoil, but Wike holds the reins – Abati

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, has declared that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reasserted himself as a dominant force within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid the party’s lingering internal crisis.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Abati observed that recent developments within the PDP point to a resurgence of Wike’s political influence, particularly following competing party conventions and conflicting court rulings.

Abati highlighted that the situation has created uncertainty over which faction of the party holds legitimacy, citing judgments delivered by different courts, including those presided over by Justices Lifu, Omotosho, and Akintola, as well as subsequent rulings from the Court of Appeal.

He noted lingering questions about the authenticity of conventions conducted by rival factions, including the one at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, which was reportedly monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Despite the uncertainty, Abati said Wike appears to have consolidated his position, with growing perceptions among supporters that he now plays a leading role at the national level.

Abati said:

“Nyesom Wike has established himself as the national leader of the party because it was a triumph for his own wing of the party.

“But if you look at the rule of law now, which convention is valid? If you look at the rulings of Justice Lifu, Justice Omotosho, Justice Akintola, and the subsequent Court of Appeal judgments, they are not rubies; they are judgments. So which one is now the valid convention?

“The convention at the Moshood Abiola Stadium was witnessed by INEC, a 13-man delegation led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. So which one now is authentic?

“In my view, we are going to see a lot of drama coming from the direction of the PDP. But the lowest common denominator is that Wike has bounced back. People on the streets are seeing him as the national leader of the party.

“We have to wait for the Supreme Court ruling on the Turaki faction, which went all the way to determine which section of the party is authentic.

“What we can hold on to is that here is Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT, who is demonstrating leadership and influence, both at the national and state levels.”