The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Solidarity Vanguard has blamed former Governor Nyesom Wike for the ‘monumental loss’ of about 25 Rivers State Assembly seats.
The PDP group accused the FCT Minister of using Hon. Amaewhule Martins and other ex-PDP lawmakers as cannon fodder in his ill-advised fight with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In December, the assembly members loyal to the immediate past governor defected to the All Progressives Congress in the wake of the political impasse involving him and Governor Fubara.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Hon. Usman Saidu Calculus, the Executive Director of the PDP National Solidarity Vanguard described Wike as a saboteur working against the party.
Calculus said the former governor is blinded by his financial muscle and doesn’t understand the true essence of leadership
“Wike, once a prominent member of our party played a pivotal role in this monumental loss. His actions have cost us dearly, and we cannot remain silent,” the statement said.
“To the extent that he has weakened the party for the APC, we can no longer consider him a member of our party. He is already enjoying the 30 pieces of silver he sold the PDP for.
“We must express our anger, disappointment, and resolve to protect the integrity of the PDP. But why did this happen? Why did lawmakers who were elected on our platform abandon their mandates, and throw away twenty-five parliamentary seats in one day?
“The answer lies in the unchecked ambition of one man—Nyesom Wike. His financial muscle, while impressive, blinded him to the true essence of leadership. Money alone cannot sustain a political movement; it takes wisdom, humility, and a genuine commitment to the people. Only such arrogance that makes him continue to parade himself as a chieftain of the PDP even when his habitual treachery is glaring for all to see.
“Femi Falana (SAN), the legal luminary whose insights we respect, has rightly pointed out that political parties are not mere vehicles for personal gain. They are institutions that serve the collective interest of the citizens. Wike’s actions, driven by hubris and a disregard for due process, have undermined our party’s cohesion and unity. ”
The PDP group, therefore, called on the party leadership to take decisive action and expel Wike from the party.
“Let this be a stern message to all who would put their ambitions above the party’s well-being and future. We cannot afford to lose more lawmakers or members in other states, especially when the stakes are now so high ahead of the next general elections,” the statement added.
“Our solidarity vanguard stands firm. We will not waver in our
commitment to the PDP’s principles. Let us rally together, rebuild our ranks, and emerge stronger. Our party deserves leaders who uphold its values, not those who undermine them.”
