Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has publicly criticized former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike for his recent threats, describing them as reckless and contrary to the party’s stance. Abdullahi emphasized that the PDP does not support Wike’s provocative statements and clarified that Wike’s comments were not reflective of the party’s position.
Abdullahi specifically addressed Wike’s threat to “set on fire” the state of PDP governors supporting Governor Siminalaya Fubara, which he said was directed at the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed. Mohammed had been assigned to address issues arising from primary elections in Rivers State, and Wike’s comments were reportedly in response to Mohammed’s intervention.
In an interview with Arise TV, Abdullahi expressed disappointment over Wike’s behavior, stating, “Wike is giving to doing things his own way which is assertiveness, speaking the way he feels like without minding the consequences. That was a reckless statement I must start with. We did not support it in any way.”
Abdullahi further explained that while the PDP acknowledges Wike’s contributions and achievements, especially during his tenure as governor, his recent actions have been problematic. He noted that the PDP’s disciplinary measures are not aimed at undermining Wike’s contributions but addressing specific issues related to the 2023 elections.
“The PDP may not meet the expectations of many Nigerians in taking decisive action against Wike. We need him to be very careful. We have cautioned him over all of these things but you cannot tame Wike,” Abdullahi added.
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary assured that the PDP remains committed to resolving internal issues through established mechanisms. He highlighted that Wike, along with others facing similar petitions, will appear before disciplinary committees to address allegations of anti-party activities.
“The PDP is going to have its internal mechanism of resolving the problem… Not only him but all of the persons that petitions were received against across the 36 states of the federation,” Abdullahi stated.
He concluded by affirming the PDP’s strength and resilience, emphasizing that no member is above the party’s principles and that the PDP will address issues in accordance with its constitution and procedures.
