The Caretaker Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has demanded the immediate suspension of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ihunwo claims that Wike’s actions since the 2023 elections have been detrimental to the party. He has called on the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) to take swift action, insinuating that any inaction may be due to corruption. Ihunwo further accused Wike of being motivated by personal ambition rather than a genuine desire to serve the party or the Nigerian people.
“When the Board of Trustees (BOT) visited our state to meet the Governor, I expected them to take a decisive stance on the issues within the party. Wike is acting in his own interest, not in the interest of Nigerians,” Ihunwo stated. “He used similar tactics to secure a ministerial appointment and seems to be positioning himself for the 2027 presidential election. I urge the party to suspend him immediately as he is on a mission to destroy it.”
Addressing the recently concluded state congress of the PDP, Ihunwo criticized it as a futile effort, reminding party members of a court order that had halted the process following the ward congress weeks earlier. “The event was merely a spectacle and not legally valid, as the leader of the party in the state, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, was not part of the process, and there is a court order preventing the party from moving forward with that congress. According to the law, there was no legitimate congress held in Rivers State,” he said.
He urged the supporters of the governor to remain calm and assured them that they would pursue legal avenues to resolve the issue. Ihunwo further criticized the venue of the congress, noting it was held in a small hall instead of the usual Obi Wali Conference Centre, suggesting a decline in support for Wike.
In response, the PDP’s State Publicity Secretary, Kenneth Yowika, dismissed Ihunwo’s statements as a desperate attempt to undermine Wike’s efforts. He argued that Wike has been instrumental in reclaiming the party from those seeking to destroy it. The party maintains that Wike’s actions have been consistent with its principles and that recent congresses, overseen by INEC and the NWC, have legitimized the party’s leadership.
“Truth and justice are not crimes,” the party stated, countering Ihunwo’s calls for Wike’s suspension as baseless and driven by ulterior motives.
The PDP has also urged the Board of Trustees to take legal action against Ihunwo for his “serious allegations” that the BOT has sold out the party. The party described Ihunwo’s claims as defamatory and unsubstantiated, asserting that he lacks the moral authority to comment on recent congresses, as he did not participate in any.
Furthermore, Ihunwo was challenged to provide proof of his membership and revalidation within the PDP amid accusations that he and his associates were never removed from the party.
“The party reaffirms its commitment to adhering to the Federal High Court’s order that facilitated peaceful congresses,” Yowika stated. “Our doors remain open to all members, including Ihunwo, who is welcome to return to the party he willingly left.”
