The Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike as the party’s national leader. This endorsement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by State Chairman Austin Nwachukwu in Owerri, the state capital. The meeting brought together party elders, elected officials, and key stakeholders from across the state, reaffirming the chapter’s commitment to the PDP’s constitution and internal democracy.

The stakeholders unanimously supported Wike, citing his long-standing contributions to the party, particularly his role in its growth from four states in 2015 to 16 in later years. They described Wike as a stabilizing figure whose influence has been instrumental in the party’s survival and reorganization. The Imo PDP also reaffirmed its full support for Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the faction, praising his consistent dedication to strengthening party structures at the state and national levels.

The meeting expressed confidence in AbdulRahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman and Senator Mao Ohabunwa as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, noting that their leadership complements ongoing efforts to reposition the party. The stakeholders distanced themselves from the recent convention held in Ibadan, describing it as unlawful, and commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for boycotting the event.

The division in the PDP deepened when the Umar Damagum faction expelled Wike, Anyanwu, and others for anti-party activities, prompting a response from the Wike faction, which expelled Damagum, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The two factions clashed last week over access to the national secretariat of the party in Abuja. The endorsement of Wike by the Imo PDP comes as the party navigates its internal conflicts ahead of the next election cycle.