A former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Jacob Mark, has dismissed claims that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, controls the PDP or poses a threat to Peter Obi’s possible return to the party.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Mark said Wike’s influence in the PDP is overstated, adding that the former Rivers governor has not participated in party activities for over a year.
“Wike is not a factor in the PDP. He hasn’t attended any meetings, especially at the national level. Saying he controls the party is misleading and simply not true,” Mark stated.
He explained that at the state level, particularly in the North, Wike’s presence is nonexistent.
According to him, the party in Kaduna and other northern states is functioning independently without any input from the FCT Minister.
“In Kaduna, we don’t feel Wike’s presence. He has no structure or influence here. We’re focused on building a stronger opposition without distractions,” he added.
Mark also attributed the perceived influence Wike still enjoys to some of his allies within the party’s National Working Committee, but insisted that the party is already rebuilding and regaining focus.
“We’ve seen progress since some individuals left. Their exit is allowing younger, committed leaders to step up,” he said.
He concluded by saying that Wike’s public support for opposition parties and absence from PDP’s decision-making processes show he no longer holds any significant sway within the party.
“Wike hasn’t attended NEC meetings, hasn’t contributed to key party decisions, and in some cases, has openly supported our opponents. In places like Plateau and Benue, nobody even talks about Wike,” Mark said.
