Youths of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the aegis of the PDP National Solidarity Vanguard have demanded the immediate expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike from the party.
The group also asked the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly whose seats were declared vacant for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), to blame Wike, a former governor of the state, for their “monumental loss” of their seats.
The PDP group accused Wike of using the sacked Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Amaewhule Martins and other former PDP lawmakers to fight Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Amid the ongoing political crisis in the state, 27 members of the State House of Assembly loyal to the FCT minister in December 2023, defected to the APC.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the Executive Director of the group, Usman Saidu Calculus, described Wike as a saboteur working against the party.
Calculus blamed Wike for the woes of the former PDP lawmakers in the state, saying that the former governor is blinded by his financial muscle and, hence, does not understand the true essence of leadership.
The statement reads, “Wike, once a prominent member of our party, played a pivotal role in this monumental loss. His actions have cost us dearly, and we cannot remain silent.
“To the extent that he has weakened the party for the APC, we can no longer consider him a member of our party. He is already enjoying the 30 pieces of silver he sold the PDP for.
“We must express our anger, disappointment, and resolve to protect the integrity of the PDP. But why did this happen? Why did lawmakers who were elected on our platform abandon their mandates, and throw away twenty-five parliamentary seats in one day?
“The answer lies in the unchecked ambition of one man—Nyesom Wike. His financial muscle, while impressive, blinded him to the true essence of leadership. Money alone cannot sustain a political movement; it takes wisdom, humility, and a genuine commitment to the people.
“Only such arrogance that makes him continue to parade himself as a chieftain of the PDP even when his habitual treachery is glaring for all to see.”
Calculus noted that “Femi Falana (SAN), the legal luminary whose insights we respect, has rightly pointed out that political parties are not mere vehicles for personal gain.
“They are institutions that serve the collective interest of the citizens. Wike’s actions, driven by hubris and a disregard for due process, have undermined our party’s cohesion and unity.”
He, therefore, called on the PDP leadership to take decisive action and expel Wike from the party.
Calculus said, “Let this be a stern message to all who would put their ambitions above the party’s well-being and future.
“We cannot afford to lose more lawmakers or members in other states, especially when the stakes are now so high ahead of the next general elections.
“Our solidarity vanguard stands firm. We will not waver in our commitment to the PDP’s principles. Let us rally together, rebuild our ranks, and emerge stronger. Our party deserves leaders who uphold its values, not those who undermine them.”