The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said Nigerians now better understand why the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was expelled from the party, insisting that no individual can claim to be the “number one supporter” of President Bola Tinubu and still remain a member of the opposition party.

The PDP was reacting to Wike’s media chat on Monday in which he declared himself the president’s strongest supporter and vowed to work for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said Wike’s public endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader confirmed the basis of his expulsion from the PDP for anti-party activities.

According to Ememobong, Wike’s comments represent “a classic case of anti-democratic adventurism,” adding that the minister had repeatedly made statements that undermined the party’s collective interest.

“By openly declaring support for the presumptive APC presidential candidate while laying claim to PDP membership, Wike has once again demonstrated why disciplinary action was unavoidable,” the statement said.

The PDP alleged that Wike and his associates, including Samuel Anyanwu, had entered into a political arrangement aimed at weakening the party as part of their support for the APC ahead of 2027.

“Now that the mask is off, Nigerians can clearly see their disposition to undermine the PDP as part of a bargain reached for selfish reasons,” Ememobong said.

The party, however, assured its supporters that it remained focused on rebuilding and preparing for the next general election.

“We assure Nigerians that the PDP will field a credible presidential candidate who will enjoy massive support and win the 2027 election. No individual has the capacity to personalise this party,” the statement said.

Despite the challenges, the PDP said the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee was working to stabilise the party, resolve outstanding legal issues and reposition it for electoral success in 2027.

Minister denies Makinde’s claim on ‘holding PDP’ for Tinubu

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that he offered to “hold” the PDP for President Tinubu.

Wike made the rebuttal during his end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt on Monday, describing the claim as false and misleading.

Makinde had earlier told journalists that Wike, during a visit to the State House in 2024, assured President Tinubu that he would keep the PDP in check ahead of the 2027 elections.

Reacting, Wike said no such discussion took place, insisting that the meeting with the president was purely to show support for his leadership and had nothing to do with the internal affairs of the PDP.

“Seyi said I told Tinubu that I would hold the PDP for him. Nothing like that happened,” Wike said. “Everybody knows my stand on Tinubu. I don’t need a meeting to tell him that.”

He added that his support for the president had always been public and did not require private assurances.

“As a minister, I have a responsibility to ensure that members of the G-5 benefit from this administration in one way or the other,” he said.

Wike accused Makinde of acting out of frustration over what he described as the president’s refusal to appoint Makinde’s nominee as a minister.

Wike also noted that Makinde had enjoyed significant federal support under the Tinubu administration, citing the N50 billion grant approved for victims of the January 2024 explosion in Bodija, Ibadan.

He said the Oyo governor owed residents an explanation on how the funds were utilised. (Daily Trust)