A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Sani, has dismissed claims of intimidation by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amid the ongoing leadership crisis in the party, insisting that Wike’s actions are desperate attempts by a “dying horse” to retain influence. Sani, speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, accused Wike of leveraging his position as FCT Minister to obstruct meetings organized by rival factions within the PDP. He stated that Wike’s efforts to disrupt party activities are not new, citing similar tactics used during the tenure of former acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
Sani revealed that Wike is aware of the locations where his group has been holding meetings, including NEC sessions, yet has failed to shut them down. He emphasized that these gatherings continue uninterrupted, signaling the resilience of his faction. According to Sani, Wike has previously sealed the party’s National Secretariat and annex office, citing non-payment of ground rent and tenement rates, whenever meetings were scheduled that could challenge his interests. These actions, Sani argued, are part of a pattern of political maneuvering meant to suppress dissent within the party.
The PDP chieftain maintained that his group remains the legitimate leadership of the party and is not deterred by Wike’s alleged intimidation. He stressed that the outcome of the leadership battle will be determined by the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent Supreme Court judgment. Sani stated that once the CTC is received, the next phase of the party’s leadership transition will begin, and he expects Wike’s camp to vacate Wadata Plaza, the party’s national headquarters. He described Wike’s current actions as a final, futile attempt to cling to power through government instruments.
Sani’s comments come amid heightened tensions within the PDP, as various factions vie for control following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the party’s leadership dispute. The court’s decision has not yet been officially released in certified form, but its outcome is expected to settle the legal and political contest. Sani’s confidence in his group’s legitimacy is rooted in their adherence to party procedures and their anticipation of the court’s formal pronouncement.
As the PDP navigates this turbulent period, Sani’s remarks underscore the deepening divide between Wike’s camp and his faction. The party’s future leadership will likely hinge on how quickly the CTC is obtained and how the various stakeholders respond. The situation remains fluid, with political observers closely watching for developments that could reshape the party’s structure and direction.
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