PDP Crisis: Okereke Faults G-5’s Demands, Says Wike’s Influence at Play

Political analyst Chibuzor Okereke has faulted the stance of the G-5 governors, describing it as unconstitutional for a single individual or a small group within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to impose conditions outside the party’s constitution before a national convention can be held. He argued that the move is aimed at consolidating the growing influence of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, within the party.

Okereke made the remarks on Friday while speaking as a guest on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme. According to him, the current crisis rocking the PDP is essentially a power struggle for control of the party’s leadership and direction. “At the heart of it, what we are seeing is political power contestation and maneuvering and that is what is playing out” he explained.

He noted that the G-5 group has been pressing for recognition of certain party officers and the validation of internal congresses as part of their conditions. “For the party to reach a point where the G-5 is now insisting that the Vice Chairman (South) must be recognized, or that specific congresses must be accepted, shows how far the crisis has gone. The group is trying to use constitutional loopholes to reassert itself, especially in the face of the growing influence of the FCT Minister and his allies” he said.

Okereke described the development as troubling, warning that the dominance of a few individuals within the party structure undermines collective decision-making. “It is unfortunate that the party has deteriorated to a point where certain individuals are setting conditions for even a national convention to hold” he remarked.

While acknowledging the recent efforts of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to reclaim its authority, Okereke observed that the body had earlier struggled to convene. He pointed out that although NEC resolutions have given Minister Wike fresh momentum, the situation within the party remains fragile.

“For now, it’s a delicate balance. Let’s see how they manage to overcome these conditions. But make no mistake, it is unconstitutional for one person or a small group to dictate terms outside the party’s constitution before a convention can take place” he concluded.