Anti-Party: PDP Disciplinary Committee Receives Report on Wike, Ortom, Makinde

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Disciplinary Committee has received reports from the National Working Committee (NWC) regarding the alleged anti-party activities of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and others, Sunday PUNCH has learned.

The committee, chaired by former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi, was established to address disciplinary issues within the party. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, along with other prominent figures, has been summoned to appear before the panel following multiple petitions accusing them of undermining the party during the 2023 elections.

The allegations primarily center on five former PDP governors, led by Wike, who reportedly worked against the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the election. These former governors—Wike (Rivers State), Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu State), Samuel Ortom (Benue State), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia State)—had a falling-out with Atiku over the refusal of the then-national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, to relinquish his position to a southerner.

Ibrahim Abdullahi, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, confirmed that Wike and other members of the G-5 group, along with other individuals accused of anti-party activities, are being called to face the disciplinary panel.

“There have been claims that PDP is not active, but we have set up two committees—one for reconciliation and another for discipline,” Abdullahi stated. “These committees are working on inviting Wike and others who have been petitioned to explain their roles before and after the elections.”

He further emphasized that the disciplinary process would apply to all accused members, including former G-5 members. “If Wike, who holds a federal appointment, is summoned, the others will be as well,” Abdullahi added.

Despite concerns that the probe could deepen divisions within the party, Abdullahi stressed that the investigation aims to restore discipline and prevent future infractions.

A senior PDP official confirmed that the NWC has submitted reports on the anti-party activities of Wike and others to the Ikimi-led committee. However, no formal invitations had been sent to Wike or the other accused members as of the time of reporting.

Eyitayo Jegede, the secretary of the disciplinary panel, declined to comment, referring inquiries to the committee’s chairman. When reached, Ikimi also declined to comment, citing his involvement in the Edo governorship election campaign.

Meanwhile, Wike’s ally, Senator Olaka Wogu, dismissed claims of Wike’s invitation as mere speculation, stating that no official summons had been issued.

Timothy Osadolor, a member of the PDP’s National Executive Committee, confirmed that calls for Wike’s suspension were gaining momentum within the party. He indicated that penalties such as suspension or expulsion were being considered for those found guilty of anti-party activities during the general elections.

However, Segun Sowunmi, a member of the party’s reconciliation committee, urged caution, warning that mishandling the situation could lead to further divisions within the PDP.