FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has been declared the ‘National Leader’ of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This controversial proclamation came from his loyal faction.
Declaration by Pro-Wike Caucus
George Turnah, Secretary of the pro-Wike South-South caucus, made the announcement. He spoke on Monday during an interview with Channels Television.
Turnah argued that Wike automatically assumes the national leadership role. He explained this is because Wike is the highest-ranking PDP member currently serving in the Federal Government.
Justifying the Abuja Meeting
Wike recently hosted a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting. The gathering took place at his official residence in Abuja over the weekend. Critics questioned the location.
Turnah, however, defended the choice of venue. He referenced Wike’s new alleged status as the party’s national leader. “Is it strange for the PDP to hold BoT, national caucus, or even NEC meetings in the villa?” Turnah asked rhetorically.
He added, “We would do so if we had a Nigerian president. Our party leader is now in the national government. This makes him the national leader of the party. So, we met at the residence of our national leader, His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Wike.”
Dismissing the Mainstream Faction
Turnah also challenged the legitimacy of the mainstream PDP faction. This group is aligned with Kabiru Turaki and backed by several PDP governors. They recently held a National Convention in Ibadan.
The factional secretary called the Ibadan convention “fundamentally flawed and illegitimate.” He claimed many states did not send verified delegates. This, he stated, was due to their failure to hold necessary congresses.
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