The Northern Elders Unity Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of working to destabilise the party and weaken opposition politics in Nigeria.
The group alleged that Wike and some of his loyalists were collaborating with external forces to undermine the unity and stability of the PDP ahead of its forthcoming national convention.
In a communiqué released after its 18th General Meeting in Sokoto, the Forum reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of the party’s Acting National Chairman, Iliya Umar Damagum. It condemned what it described as “desperate attempts” by some members to derail preparations for the convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan on November 15 and 16.
The Forum’s National Secretary, Dr. Abbas Sadauki, said the decision to defend the unity of the PDP was unanimous. According to him, “No amount of political intimidation, blackmail, or lies against the unity of the party will stop the successful organisation of the national convention in Ibadan.” He accused some National Working Committee members of colluding with external forces to destabilise the PDP from within.
Sadauki claimed that Wike’s political influence and ambition were fuelling division within the party. He said, “It is unfortunate that some ungrateful elements, under the guidance of Mr. Nyesom Wike, are bent on destroying everything good about the PDP and other opposition movements. Whether through court cases or misuse of power, their mission is clear to wreck the party. But they will fail.”
The Forum also warned that any internal sabotage against the PDP would be met with firm resistance. It urged all loyal members to stand behind Damagum and other party leaders working to rebuild and reposition the PDP for the 2027 general elections. The statement further described the commitment of the acting chairman as “a patriotic sacrifice” to restore confidence and unity in the party.
In its closing remarks, the Forum cautioned the judiciary and national institutions against being influenced by political actors seeking to undermine democracy. It reaffirmed its loyalty to the PDP leadership and called on all members to respect the National Executive Committee’s decision to proceed with the planned convention, stressing that the party’s unity and integrity must be protected at all costs.
