ABUJA, Nigeria — Daniel Bwala, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Friday, September 1, 2023, stated that Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, could face expulsion from the party.
This announcement comes from Wike’s vocal support for President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Bwala’s comments strongly rebuke Wike, who recently challenged the PDP leadership to suspend or expel him for supporting President Tinubu.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, had been a prominent member of the PDP before assuming his current role as FCT Minister.
“Why we hardly react to what he (Wike) says is because he loves drama, everybody knows that,” Bwala noted. “The quietness of the party is not weakness…the party knows what it is doing. At the appropriate time, he (Wike) would be suspended and expelled. Take that to the bank,” he added.
The PDP has been grappling with internal strife and defections, and the endorsement of a candidate from a rival party has sparked considerable controversy within its ranks.
Bwala’s statement indicates that the party leadership is considering taking disciplinary action against Wike, although no formal steps have been announced yet.
Observers see Bwala’s comments as a sign of growing tension within the PDP, as the party seeks to reconsolidate its base in the face of electoral challenges and a shifting political landscape.
With Wike being a high-profile member, his potential expulsion could serve as a strong signal about the party’s internal discipline and unity, or lack thereof.
“Clearly, this is not just about Wike; it’s a message to anyone in the party thinking of crossing lines. The PDP wants to assert that they still mean business, which could be a defining moment for them,” said Dr. Ibrahim Shehu, a political analyst.
The PDP has yet to make an official announcement regarding Wike’s potential suspension or expulsion. Still, Bwala’s comments have certainly added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing political drama.
As Nigeria navigates through a critical period in its democratic journey, the stability and unity of its major political parties could play a vital role in shaping the future of the country.
