Sources: Why the PDP complied with Wike's demands

To alleviate internal conflicts and enhance its chances for the 2027 elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decided to fulfill significant requests from Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and current FCT Minister.

Last night, reliable sources within the party revealed to Vanguard in Abuja that this move is part of a broader plan to bring the party together and tackle ongoing issues among its members.

Wike, a key player in the PDP, has made it clear that he wants the party’s presidential ticket to be zoned to the South, the appointment of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, and strict compliance with the zoning conventions for the South-South and South-East.

Insiders have reported that the party's leadership has now agreed to these requests, eliminating any reason for Wike to oppose their course.

“The party has gathered and agreed to meet all of Wike’s demands. He insists that Anyanwu should be the secretary to help everything move forward. He wants party leaders to confirm that the presidential ticket will go to the South.

“The party has accepted these terms. So, on what grounds can Wike now challenge the party? There are none,” a senior party official stated.

This news comes as worries rise regarding divisions within the PDP, particularly following the collapse of the G5, a group of governors who previously resisted the party’s leadership under Senator Iyorchia Ayu and their 2023 presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, before the last elections.

The G5, also referred to as the Integrity Group, was formed leading up to the 2023 presidential race to advocate for changes in party leadership.

Originally, the group included five governors: Wike (Rivers), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo). However, it has now dwindled to three members, leaving Wike more isolated.

“The G5 used to have significant power, but now it’s just a G3. Makinde was the first to leave, followed by Ortom. Wike remains with Ugwuanyi and Ikpeazu, but their political weight has decreased greatly. Even if they call themselves G5 or G3, they are no longer a strong political force,” explained another source.