PDP Leadership Criticized for Inaction Against Wike’s Anti-Party Activities in 2023 Election

Oladimeji Fabiyi, a former Director of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign, has sharply criticized the party’s leadership, accusing them of being irresponsible and complicit with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on Arise News on Monday, May 12, 2025, Fabiyi expressed frustration over the PDP’s failure to discipline key figures, particularly former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who openly admitted to working against the party during the 2023 presidential election.

Fabiyi highlighted that Wike, alongside four other PDP governors known as the G-5, actively supported APC candidate Bola Tinubu, who was declared president by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This followed Wike’s loss to Atiku Abubakar in the PDP presidential primary. Despite Wike’s public admission of anti-party activities and his continued role as FCT Minister under Tinubu’s administration, the PDP has not taken disciplinary action, prompting Fabiyi to question the National Working Committee’s (NWC) effectiveness. “The current NWC of the party has failed the party,” he stated, asserting that the leadership must be replaced for the PDP to regain credibility.

The activist criticized the party’s reconciliation efforts, including those led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, as ineffective, noting that Saraki “deserted” the North Central region when needed most. Fabiyi argued that the PDP’s inability to address “grievous actions” by members like Wike has weakened its position since losing the 2023 election and several states. He dismissed recent PDP governors’ forum meetings as “a gathering of compromise” rather than a strategic effort to tackle pressing issues.

Sentiment on X reflects similar frustrations, with users like @HAHayatu and @Big_Sinudo calling for Wike’s expulsion, citing his ongoing efforts to undermine the PDP while attending high-level party meetings. Posts from 2023 and 2024 indicate that the PDP considered suspending Wike but has yet to act decisively, possibly due to his influence and the party’s internal divisions. Fabiyi’s remarks underscore a broader call for the PDP to enforce accountability and rebuild trust among its faithful to mount a viable opposition in future elections.