The political faction aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has endorsed former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom for the national chairmanship of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This development comes amid internal party tensions.
Wike recently criticized the PDP governors’ consensus approach during a media appearance. He warned their current strategy could harm the party’s future prospects.
“The way these present governors operate will bury this party,” Wike declared. He questioned the exclusion of non-governors from decision-making processes. “Are you telling me that because I’m not a governor, you’ll hold PDP stakeholders’ meetings without me?”
The minister dismissed speculation about his loyalty to the PDP despite his connections with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He rejected suggestions that governors should dominate party decisions due to their access to state funds.
“All this APC talk is rubbish,” Wike stated. “Should two or three governors decide for everyone just because they control large allocations?”
Sources reveal Wike’s group advocates zoning the chairmanship to Nigeria’s North Central region. They specifically support Ortom as their preferred candidate. Their position stems from the incomplete tenure of former PDP chairman Iyorchia Ayu.
Ayu, also from Benue State, didn’t finish his term. The faction argues equity requires the region to retain the position. They cite precedent from the ruling APC party, which maintained North Central representation after replacing former chairman Abdullahi Adamu.
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