PDP Crisis: “Wike Is Displaying Gangsterism Lawlessness and Crude Politics”

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The internal dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed openly criticising the faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

The governor stated that the ongoing struggle inside the party has reached a critical stage and insisted that the group aligned with Wike lacks the legal authority to operate within the PDP structure.

Speaking during a televised interview from the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Mohammed argued that the balance of influence within the party now favours the leadership produced during the recent convention held in Ibadan.

Gossip News Now recalls that the PDP headquarters at Wadata Plaza recently witnessed chaotic scenes as rival factions attempted to assert control of the party’s leadership and meeting venues.

The confrontation involved two competing blocs within the party. On one side were leaders associated with the convention that produced a new National Working Committee, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the newly elected National Secretary Taofeek Arapaja.

Opposing them was the camp loyal to Wike, represented politically by Samuel Anyanwu, who continues to insist that his tenure as the party’s National Secretary remains valid until December 2025.

The dispute escalated when Makinde and other leaders linked to the convention arrived at the party headquarters alongside several officials who claim legitimacy under the newly established leadership.

Roots of the Leadership Dispute

At the heart of the conflict is disagreement over whether the convention that produced the new leadership structure was constitutionally valid.

The Wike-backed faction argues that the Ibadan convention violated party procedures, while the opposing camp insists that it was conducted legally and endorsed by the PDP’s highest decision-making organs.

Security agencies were eventually deployed to the party headquarters as tensions rose between supporters attempting to access different meeting venues inside the complex.

Governor Mohammed defended the legitimacy of the convention, stating that the new leadership emerged through proper procedures involving delegates from multiple states across the country.

Mohammed’s Criticism of the Rival Faction

During the interview, the Bauchi governor expressed strong dissatisfaction with the actions of the opposing camp. He accused the group of spreading misinformation about the party’s leadership structure and attempting to create confusion within the PDP.

Mohammed argued that the party’s constitution clearly outlines how leadership decisions are made, particularly through conventions attended by delegates representing different states.

He also insisted that once individuals are expelled through the party’s constitutional process, they can no longer claim authority within the organisation.

Debate Over Party Legitimacy

Another major point of contention in the crisis revolves around recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mohammed maintained that the newly elected leadership enjoys legal recognition because the convention that produced it followed due process, including official notification to INEC.

According to him, the electoral commission only requires formal notice before such conventions and is not obligated to attend the event itself.

Majority Support Within the Party

The Bauchi governor further claimed that most PDP office holders support the new leadership arrangement.

He pointed to the presence of governors, lawmakers, and other elected officials backing the convention outcome as evidence that the party’s mainstream structure supports the new National Working Committee.

Questions Over Wike’s Loyalty

Mohammed also raised concerns about Wike’s political alignment, questioning why the minister continues to play a major role within the PDP while simultaneously cooperating with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor suggested that such political behaviour raises doubts about Wike’s commitment to strengthening the opposition party.

Commentary and Analysis

The ongoing confrontation inside the PDP illustrates the complexity of leadership battles within major political parties. Internal disputes often arise when competing political interests attempt to control party structures ahead of future elections.

Analysts believe the conflict reflects broader strategic disagreements about the PDP’s direction and its role as Nigeria’s main opposition force.

If the crisis continues without compromise, it could weaken the party’s unity and influence in national politics. However, political observers also note that intense internal struggles sometimes lead to organisational restructuring and clearer leadership arrangements.

For now, the dispute between the rival factions remains one of the most significant internal challenges facing the PDP as the country gradually moves toward future electoral contests.