A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over what it described as controversial and inappropriate remarks made during a recent media appearance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the group condemned Wike’s comments as an “unsolicited display of political recklessness,” accusing the minister of attacking respected Nigerians without restraint.
The faction also faulted the nature of the media outing, alleging that it was publicly funded and lacked decorum. It described the appearance as “a performance full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
Rather than engaging directly with the substance of Wike’s claims, the group said its response was to apologise to Nigerians for previously supporting his rise to positions of authority, including his tenure as governor and current role as minister.
“We regret offering a platform to a person whose conduct and utterances have become a national embarrassment,” the statement read.
The faction further urged individuals allegedly defamed by the minister to seek legal redress, stressing that no individual is above the law.
On internal party matters, the group dismissed claims about the existence of a “National Leader” position within the PDP, noting that such a role is not recognised in the party’s constitution.
It also reaffirmed that ongoing party activities — including the sale of nomination forms and preparations for primaries and a national convention — would proceed as scheduled.
The statement suggested that Wike’s recent remarks could be linked to dissatisfaction over his perceived inability to influence the party’s direction, particularly regarding the emergence of its presidential candidate.
Addressing legal issues referenced by the minister, the faction said it was awaiting Certified True Copies of relevant court judgments and challenged Wike and his associates to publicly clarify the matters.
The development highlights the deepening internal divisions within the PDP as it prepares for upcoming political contests.
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