In a recent statement, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, the Director of Research, Strategy, and Documentation for Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 Presidential Campaign, has openly criticized Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and current FCT Minister, branding him as the primary obstacle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Obaseki cited various reasons for his strong stance against Wike.
Obaseki pointed out that Wike’s repeated calls for the suspension or expulsion of the former Vice President and prominent PDP member, Atiku Abubakar, along with his continuous verbal attacks on the party, and his history of betrayals, have made him a liability to the PDP. Obaseki argued that Wike’s ambitions to secure the PDP’s presidential nomination had led to numerous internal crises within the party.
According to Obaseki, Wike’s involvement in promoting Uche Secondus for the party’s chairmanship and the subsequent events that led to Secondus’s defeat at the PDP presidential primaries have only exacerbated the party’s internal divisions. Obaseki stated, “Wike is the one who created a cult within the party and called it the G-5. Against the will, constitution, and structures of the party, he campaigned against the party.”
Obaseki also highlighted several prominent defections from the PDP, including Bello Matawalle, former governor of Zamfara State, and Dave Umahi, who both cited Nyesom Wike as a reason for leaving the party. Professor Ben Ayade also left the PDP, citing Wike’s influence.
Addressing calls for Atiku Abubakar’s expulsion from the PDP, Obaseki emphasized, “The person who deserves to be expelled from the party is the man who is calling for the expulsion of others from the party.” He further accused Wike of attempting to manipulate the party’s internal processes and urged the party leadership to take action.
Obaseki concluded by stating that Wike’s presidential aspirations were driven by self-interest and regional considerations. He argued that, given Wike’s proximity to the home state of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was the immediate past Southern president and the last PDP president, Wike had no moral right to seek the presidency, as it appeared he was paving the way for his own candidacy.
In a stern warning, Obaseki stated, “Wike has crossed the red line and now, he should be ready. He has all the money to fight us back because we are coming at him like a thousand bricks. That can no longer suffice.”
The rift within the PDP continues to be a matter of concern as the party prepares for the 2023 presidential election. Nyesom Wike’s role and influence within the party remain a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.