“It’s Banana Peel”: PDP Chieftain Reacts As Suspension Looms for Wike, Other G5 Members

  • PDP chieftain has sent a message to the leadership of the party over the planned move to expel Nyesom Wike and other members of the G5 group
  • Wike and his colleagues including Seyi Makinde and three other former governors allegedly worked against the PDP and Atiku in 2023
  • Wike and the G5 men who worked for the emergence of Bola Tinubu insisted that they were still loyal chieftains of the PDP, hence downplaying their expulsion from the party
  • Speaking exclusively with Fox Nigeria, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, spokesperson of the PDP National Youth Group, revealed what the party should do to Wike and his loyalists

Fox Nigeria journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, the spokesperson of the PDP National Youth Group, has downplayed the purported move to expel Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers state, from Nigeria’s main opposition party.

How Wike, G5 worked against Atiku, backed Tinubu

Recall that the PDP situation became complicated when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Wike, whom Atiku Abubakar defeated in the party’s presidential primary last year, for a ministerial position in the APC government.

Wike’s apparent acceptance of the nomination is seen by the Atiku group as “the final straw.” This follows earlier moves to expel the former governor over “anti-party activities” for openly supporting Tinubu in the presidential election.

PDP crisis worsens amid plot to expel Wike, loyalists

Wike and the G5 members allegedly workd against Atiku in the 2023 general elections.
Photo credit: Atiku Abubakar, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike – CON, GSSRSSource: Facebook

In the run-up to the 2023 presidential election, Wike had insisted the party maintain its internal power-sharing formula by zoning the presidential ticket to southern Nigeria.

Wike, alongside his G5 faction, which includes then-Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu state), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia state), however, called for the removal of the suspended national chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu.

While Wike backed out from supporting Atiku Abubakar – from northern Nigeria – who won the PDP primary election, the former governor worked for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), leading to the emergence of President Tinubu.

Tinubu later appointed him as a minister, a move that triggered debates on whether Wike is still a member of the PDP or not.

Despite the calls for his expulsion, the FCT minister insisted he is still a member of the PDP, doubling down on his support for Tinubu – the APC flagbearer for the 2023 presidential election.

Dare Glintstone Akinniyi: “Expelling anyone is a banana peel”

Speaking exclusively with Fox Nigeria on whether the PDP should expel Wike and other members of the G5 ahead of 2027 general election, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi described the move as “a banana peel”.

In an interview with TheTalk.NG via telephone chat, on Sunday, May 12, Mr Akinniyi said expelling Wike now when the party is divided, is wrong timing”, adding that “we can’t overlook the influence of Wike and his loyalists”.

He however tasked the PDP reconciliation committee to do what’s best for the party ahead of the 2027 election.

Mr Akinniyi opined thus:

“At the moment, expelling anyone is a ‘banana peel’. If the expulsion had happened before the 2023 Elections, it will probably make some senses and understandable. As it stands now, the PDP is divided and we can’t overlook the influence of Wike and his loyalists. The reconciliation committee should bring everyone to the table again, and there should be sanctions for any actions that are against the tenets cum interest of the PDP, as a party henceforth.”

Why Wike isn’t PDP’s problem – Showunmi

Meanwhile, the former Ogun state governorship candidate of the PDP, Segun Showunmi, reacted to the brawl between the party and Nyesom Wike.

Dr Showunmi, who is vying for the chairmanship seat of the PDP, told TheTalk.NG that Wike’s dilemma was another opportunity for the party to design a new model to solve imminent crises like that of the FCT minister.

He said:

“The man is on sabbatical working in APC, and we just let him continue in that direction.

“People who don’t accept that the political party is beyond one individual are the problem; it’s not Wike.”

Source: Fox Nigeria


Tax Reforms Bill Will Make Lagos Rich? Presidency Finally Opens Up
The presidency has tackled the critics of his tax reform bill who had claimed that it would impoverish some parts of the country Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, in a statement, maintained that the bill was not meant to make Lagos and Rivers outshine other states According to the presidency, the tax reform bills ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


Ondo: Federal High Court Gives Verdict on PDP’s Suit Challenging Qualification of APC Candidates
The court has held that Agboola Ajayi, the PDP candidate’s case in the Ondo election, lacked the legal right to challenge the eligibility of Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Olaiyide Adelami The court ruled in favour of the APC candidates in Ondo, dismissing the suit filed by the PDP over alleged name discrepancies and ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


2027: Prominent APC Chieftain Threatens to Withdraw Support for Tinubu, Gives Reason
APC chieftain Jesutega Onokpasa criticized President Tinubu for appointing individuals who allegedly insulted him and the party Onokpasa warned that Tinubu’s decisions could alienate core supporters, urging him to respect those who defended him during his campaign He hinted at possible electoral consequences in 2027, stating, “Two can play that game,” if Tinubu continues to ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


2027: “We Will Take Nigeria Back”: Accord Party Dares Tinubu, Sends Message to Nigerians
The Accord Party vows to reshape Nigeria’s political future in 2027, with National Publicity Secretary Joseph Omorogbe highlighting growing support from passionate individuals Omorogbe declared the party ready to compete with established parties, describing Accord as a “vehicle” for transformational leadership The party urged Nigerians to support Accord’s mission for good governance, promising a brighter ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


2027: “End of Tinubu’s Reign is Near”: PDP Bigwig Declares as Atiku, Obi Meet for Possible Alliance
Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi’s Adamawa meeting sparks talks of a 2027 opposition alliance after their 2023 split PDP’s David Itopa calls a potential Atiku-Obi merger a “game-changer” to challenge APC and end Tinubu’s administration Once allies in 2019, their 2023 division bolstered Tinubu’s win; their reunion signals strategic political moves Former Vice President Atiku ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button

Adblock Detected

Adblock Detected, Please disable your adblock to continue browsing this website