The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday dismissed reports of a split within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that the party remains united ahead of its national convention scheduled for March 29–30, 2026.
Wike spoke to journalists in Abuja after inspecting ongoing and completed infrastructure projects across the capital. Addressing speculation about internal divisions, he emphasized that disagreements among members do not constitute factionalism.
“We have only one PDP, no faction,” he said. “Some individuals may not be happy, yes, but there is no faction. I don’t know which camp you are referring to.”
The minister acknowledged that grievances exist but noted that reconciliation efforts can proceed alongside preparations for the convention. “That there is a convention does not mean there will be no reconciliation. Everything has its own time,” he added.
Infrastructure oversight
During the inspection tour, Wike reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to ensuring quality and timely delivery of projects. He disclosed that a bridge project near the Fire Service in Abuja is nearing completion, with contractors projecting delivery within five months.
“From what we have seen, it is a very quality job. I commend the company,” he said. He also confirmed that the N5 road project, handled by Julius Berger, has been completed and will be inaugurated as part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
At the Nigerian Law School, Wike expressed satisfaction with the completion of 10 staff bungalows, describing them as fully furnished and ready for use. He also assessed ongoing hostel projects, praising progress on the female hostel while raising concerns about delays in the male hostel.
“I am quite impressed with the female hostel, but I am not impressed with the level of work on the male hostel. They were awarded at the same time,” he said, noting that contractors have pledged completion by October or November.
Describing the government’s intervention as unprecedented, Wike said it marks a significant milestone for the institution. “This is the first time a government is trying to provide basic infrastructure for the Nigerian Law School,” he said.
On project funding and execution, the minister attributed the administration’s performance to prudent resource management and political will. “It is not about the amount of money, but commitment. You can have all the money and still not achieve results if you are not committed,” he said. He added that the FCT largely relies on internally generated revenue and avoids awarding contracts it cannot fund.
He credited the pace of development to presidential support, noting: “The momentum we are getting is because we have a President who believes in providing infrastructure. That support makes the difference.” Wike assured residents that all ongoing projects would be completed as scheduled, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and service delivery across the FCT.
PDP leadership crisis
Wike’s statements come amid a protracted PDP leadership crisis dating back to November 2025. Governors had previously endorsed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which produced Kabiru Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure. Leadership was handed over from former acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9.
However, a faction loyal to Wike later formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee, appointing Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate. Attempts by both factions to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat on November 18 descended into chaos, prompting the Nigeria Police Force to seal the secretariat.
Legal battles ensued, culminating in a February 12 hearing at the Court of Appeal. On March 9, the court ruled that the Ibadan convention violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the party’s own constitution, nullifying the convention that produced Turaki and his committee.
