The debate over party loyalty within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has taken another dimension, as Hon. Diran Fabiyi, a prominent chieftain of the party, has openly questioned the political history and commitment of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Fabiyi raised critical concerns about Wike’s stance and his claim of defending PDP traditions, asking where the former Rivers governor stood in 2003 when the PDP was at the peak of consolidating its influence in Nigeria.
According to Fabiyi, Wike’s recent political maneuvers and open criticisms of the PDP leadership reflect a contradiction in his claims of loyalty. He stressed that many party faithful who stood firm during turbulent times in the early 2000s sacrificed their political comfort to build the PDP into what it became, while Wike’s role in those foundational years remains questionable.
Fabiyi noted that many leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and founding members of the party, endured fierce political battles to strengthen the PDP in 2003. He argued that those who now attempt to present themselves as custodians of the party’s values should be honest about their contributions to its growth. In his words, loyalty is not defined by rhetoric or convenience but by long-standing service and sacrifice.
The statement has further fueled internal debates within the PDP, especially as the party navigates its future ahead of the 2027 general elections. Wike’s strained relationship with the PDP hierarchy has become a recurring issue, as his alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in recent months has sparked concerns about his true political alignment.
Party analysts believe Fabiyi’s comments are not just a personal attack on Wike but a broader call for accountability among PDP leaders. With the party still grappling with internal divisions, zoning debates, and the challenge of repositioning itself as a credible opposition force, the question of loyalty has become a sensitive subject that may determine the party’s survival.
For many within the PDP, the issue is not just about Wike’s individual actions but about the message being sent to younger politicians and loyal party members who expect consistency from their leaders. Critics argue that by working closely with the APC government while still claiming PDP membership, Wike is sending mixed signals that weaken the party’s cohesion.
Fabiyi’s remarks have now opened fresh conversations within political circles about what it truly means to be a loyal party member. Should loyalty be measured by longevity, consistency, and sacrifice, or should it be based on the results delivered during a leader’s time in office? These are questions that PDP stakeholders will have to confront as they prepare for the challenging years ahead.
For now, the spotlight remains on Wike as his political influence continues to expand in Abuja while his role in PDP becomes increasingly contentious. The coming months may determine whether his legacy will be seen as that of a loyal party man or a political opportunist who shifted grounds when it was most convenient.
More than news- Its Icegate