Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a prominent figure in the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has issued stringent demands to resolve ongoing internal disputes threatening the party’s stability. During a media briefing on Monday, Wike warned that failure to address two contentious leadership appointments could reignite factional clashes ahead of the party’s upcoming convention.
Central to Wike’s ultimatum is the PDP’s recognition of Chief Dan Orbih as the legitimate National Vice Chairman for the South-South region. Orbih was elected during a February zonal congress that sparked controversy due to procedural irregularities. Wike asserted that the party’s acting National Chairman, Ilija Damagum, exacerbated tensions by allegedly informing Nigeria’s electoral body, INEC, of a postponed congress date—days before the event proceeded as scheduled. “The court permitted the congress to hold, and it did. Any refusal to validate Chief Orbih’s role invites fresh crisis,” Wike stated, framing the dispute as a test of the party’s commitment to due process.
A second issue centers on the South-East zonal congress, which appointed Chief Ali Odefa as regional vice chairman. Wike stressed that Odefa’s position is untenable after a court ruled he was no longer a PDP member, describing the appointment as emblematic of “impunity” within the party’s leadership. “We cannot overlook such breaches if we aim to unite,” he said, urging resolution before the next national convention.
These tensions reflect deeper rifts within the PDP, which has grappled with factionalism since its loss in the 2023 general elections. Analysts note that failure to reconcile conflicting leadership claims risks undermining the party’s ability to present a cohesive front ahead of future elections. The disputes also highlight legal and procedural challenges in Nigeria’s political parties, where court rulings and INEC regulations increasingly shape internal governance.
Wike, known for his influential role in PDP dynamics, framed his demands as non-negotiable steps toward accountability. “There’s still time to correct these errors,” he said, though he cautioned that delays would amount to “an invitation to crisis.” The PDP’s National Working Committee has yet to publicly respond, but the stalemate underscores the delicate balance required to maintain unity in Nigeria’s historically dominant opposition party.
