A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki has issued a direct challenge to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, daring him to follow through on his threat to shut down its operational office. The confrontation stems from comments made by Wike during his monthly media chat, where he questioned the legitimacy of the Turaki-led group and urged it to openly prove its status as an authentic faction of the party. The minister also warned that any office used by the group could be sealed off.
Faction Responds to Wike's Threat
Ibrahim Abdullahi, a former PDP deputy national publicity secretary and current private principal secretary to Turaki, responded firmly to Wike's remarks. He confirmed that the faction already operates from an active office and invited the minister to take action. “We have been operating from an office. He knows the location; he should come there and take over the office if he can,” Abdullahi said. “It is a temporary office, but we are meeting there and carrying out our functions.”
Political Instability Warning
Abdullahi also warned that the internal crisis within the PDP is deepening political instability in Nigeria. He described the situation as pushing the country toward what he called a Hobbesian state of anarchy, “where life is brutish, short, and nasty.” This stark characterization underscores the severity of the rift within the party.
Accusations of Misleading Claims
Ini Ememobong, spokesperson for the Turaki faction, accused Wike of making misleading statements about the group’s operations and finances. “His delusional boast of dealing with banks that will open accounts for us is delusional, as he is already aware that we are operating accounts of the party, which is why his group of friends are receiving money through private accounts,” Ememobong said.
The escalating feud highlights the deepening divisions within the PDP, as both sides trade accusations and assert their authority. The faction's defiance signals a protracted struggle for control of the party's structure and resources.
