Enemies of Progress: Northern PDP elders blast Wike, allies for undermining party

The Northern Elders Unity Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a fierce rebuke of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his political allies, accusing them of conspiring to destabilise the party and undermine opposition politics in Nigeria.

In a communiqué released at the end of its 18th General Meeting, the Forum reaffirmed its unwavering confidence in the leadership of the PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum. It condemned what it described as “desperate attempts” by certain party members to derail preparations for the PDP’s forthcoming national convention, scheduled for 15–16 November in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Forum’s National Secretary, Dr Abbas Sadauki (Dan Madamin Tofa), said the group’s decision to defend the unity and integrity of the party was both “unanimous and resolute.”

“No amount of political intimidation, blackmail or falsehood will prevent the successful organisation of our national convention in Ibadan,” Dr Sadauki declared.

He accused some members of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) of colluding with external political forces to destabilise the party from within.

“Those misleading others to scuttle the convention are mere jokers — predators unleashed against our collective interest. Their unholy alliance with enemies of progress will soon end in political shame and regret,” he stated.

The Forum alleged that the ongoing internal sabotage was being orchestrated through the influence and ambition of Mr Wike.

“It is unfortunate that certain ungrateful elements, under the guidance of Mr Nyesom Wike, are determined to destroy everything positive about the PDP and other opposition movements. Whether through court cases or the misuse of power, their mission is clear — to wreck the party. But they will fail,” Sadauki warned.

Expressing full solidarity with the current leadership, the Forum commended Ambassador Damagum and other loyal stakeholders for their “steadfastness and patriotism” in steering the party towards unity and revival ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The commitment shown by Ambassador Damagum and other genuine party leaders is a patriotic sacrifice aimed at rebuilding and repositioning the PDP for future victory,” the statement added.

The group further cautioned both the judiciary and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against individuals allegedly seeking to manipulate state institutions to destabilise the democratic process. It appealed to the judiciary to resist the influence of “desperate political actors” described as “enemies of progress and burdens to the nation.”

Reaffirming its loyalty to the PDP’s leadership, the Forum insisted that the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) decision to proceed with the Ibadan convention remained binding and must be respected by all members.

Concluding, the Forum declared its “unshakeable” support for Ambassador Damagum’s leadership, urging all disciplined members to uphold the NEC’s decision and safeguard the unity, integrity, and future of the party.