Wike’s Withdrawal from G-5 Over National Secretary Crisis Deepens PDP’s Internal War

As Makinde and Mbah Are Accused of Betrayal, PDP's Unity in Jeopardy Ahead of 2027
The internal crisis rocking Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has taken a fresh and dangerous turn following the withdrawal of former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from the influential G-5 Governors Bloc. Wike’s dramatic exit is linked to an alleged betrayal by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, over a failed agreement concerning the PDP’s National Secretary position.
This latest development deepens the crisis in PDP, threatening its unity and electoral strength ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
G-5 Governors: From Integrity Bloc to Political Breakdown
The G-5 Governors, also known as the Integrity Group, was formed during the build-up to the 2023 elections. The group, led by Wike, also included Governors Makinde, Ortom (Benue), Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ugwuanyi (Enugu). Their goal was to protest the North’s dominance in the party hierarchy after Atiku Abubakar emerged as the PDP’s presidential flagbearer, with Iyorchia Ayu, another Northerner, holding the position of National Chairman.
The G-5 bloc pushed for the zoning of the party’s top positions in line with the PDP constitution. However, what began as a united front for equity and justice has now collapsed under the weight of internal betrayal and personal ambition.
Why Wike Withdrew: Accusations of Treachery Over National Secretary Deal
According to credible reports, Wike accused Governors Makinde and Mbah of reneging on a gentleman’s agreement to support a consensus candidate for the office of the PDP National Secretary, a sensitive position currently at the center of a power tussle.
Wike had backed a South-East candidate believed to represent the interests of the G-5, but in a surprising twist, Makinde and Mbah allegedly defected from the agreement, throwing their weight behind a rival candidate in defiance of the pact. Wike, furious and disappointed, announced his withdrawal from the G-5, stating he could no longer associate with "dishonest actors" who lack loyalty and integrity.
National Secretary Position Becomes PDP’s Flashpoint
The position of National Secretary of the PDP has been under serious contention, especially among South-East stakeholders. The crisis intensified after two different factions emerged—one backing the incumbent Samuel Anyanwu, and the other rallying behind Sunday Okoye or other alternative candidates.
Governors Mbah and Makinde’s decision to support a new nominee outside the G-5 consensus has created parallel structures within the party, resulting in conflicting claims, legal disputes, and nationwide confusion over party leadership.
Implications for PDP's Future and 2027 Elections
Wike’s withdrawal and the widening cracks in the PDP signal a grim future for a party that once boasted of being Africa’s largest political organization. With 2027 fast approaching, the PDP risks:
- Total fragmentation in key zones like the South-South and South-East
- Loss of electoral coordination and loyalty among grassroots structures
- Further defections to the ruling APC, especially with Wike’s ongoing role in the Tinubu-led government
- Collapse of national reconciliation efforts, as trust among former allies is broken
This could weaken the PDP’s chances of mounting a strong opposition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, particularly with President Tinubu consolidating power across regions.
APC Watching, PDP Bleeding
While the PDP continues to battle internal sabotage and leadership wars, the APC stands to gain significantly. Political observers believe that the ruling party is capitalizing on PDP’s disarray, using strategic appointments and influence to lure key PDP leaders.
Wike’s position as Minister under APC’s Tinubu-led government further fuels speculation that he may fully align with APC before 2027, potentially taking thousands of loyal supporters with him.
PDP at a Crossroads
The Peoples Democratic Party is currently at a crossroads. With Wike pulling out of the G-5 and exposing deep betrayals from governors once seen as allies, the party must decide whether to rebuild with transparency and justice—or watch its relevance erode under the weight of unresolved crises and unchecked egos.
For PDP to survive and challenge in 2027, it must urgently address the National Secretary debacle, reconcile broken alliances, and restore discipline and unity across its ranks.
Join our conversation for more updates
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *