Former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jacob Mark, has dismissed concerns over the influence of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, saying he holds no sway within the party and poses no obstacle to Peter Obi’s potential return.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Mark asserted that Wike is effectively absent from PDP affairs and has not participated in party activities for over a year.
“Wike is not a member of the PDP in any functional sense. He hasn’t attended party meetings in over a year,” Mark said. “When people claim he controls the PDP, it worries me—it shows how little we verify facts.”
Mark, who was speaking from Kaduna during a state caucus meeting ahead of an upcoming bye-election, emphasized that the PDP continues to run effectively at the state level without any involvement from Wike.
“In Kaduna, Wike has no influence whatsoever. He’s not part of our political structure. No one here is following his lead,” he added.
He attributed Wike’s perceived influence to some allies within the party’s National Working Committee or others acting on his behalf, but insisted this does not equate to control.
“The PDP’s founding members have been working hard to rebuild and reposition the party as a credible opposition. Nigerians will soon see the difference,” Mark stated.
He also welcomed the departure of certain party figures, suggesting it has cleared the path for new leadership to emerge.
“Some individuals were blocking progress. Their exit is creating opportunities for younger, more dynamic leaders to rise,” he said.
Mark concluded by challenging Wike’s legitimacy within the PDP, citing his absence from National Executive Committee meetings and public support for rival parties.
“Anyone who hasn’t attended the NEC in over a year and openly supports our opponents cannot claim to be a real member. Across many states, including Benue and Plateau, Wike is politically irrelevant.”
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