Wike Lacks Capacity to Challenge PDP, Says Ex-Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor

Former Akwa Ibom North West Senator, Chris Ekpenyong, has stated that Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, lacks the necessary influence to destabilize the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ekpenyong argued that Wike, a former Rivers State governor, is exploiting the party’s deviation from the original vision and mission set by its founding fathers. He added that this deviation has empowered governors within the party to overshadow the party itself.

The former senator made these remarks during an interview with journalists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, while responding to Wike’s recent threats.

Wike had warned that he would create unrest in PDP-controlled states if the governors continued to interfere in state matters.

Ekpenyong, referring to Wike’s political rise, said, “Here is someone who was initiated into the political system through the support of his mentor, Dr. Peter Odili, rising through the ranks to hold various positions. Now, he threatens to challenge the very foundation of the party. I won’t engage in a public spat with him, but he is clearly capitalizing on the party’s current weakness. If PDP had stuck to its original principles, no governor would ever feel bigger than the party itself.”

Ekpenyong also expressed doubts about Wike’s ability to carry out his threats, stating, “Wike seems to think he has the power to destabilize the PDP, but I believe he does not.”

He lamented the state of the PDP, noting that it has collapsed as a result of being overpowered by state governors. According to him, the party’s initial foundations of social justice and fairness have eroded, and it has transformed into a party of imposition where leadership is no longer determined by the people.

“The PDP was once a national party with a presence in every corner of Nigeria, grounded in the principles of social justice and fairness,” Ekpenyong said. “Leadership was supposed to be earned through a transparent process, reflecting the will of the people. However, today, the PDP has been overtaken by governors who now act as political overlords. The voice of the people has been drowned out, and the party no longer reflects its original ideals.”