The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that the G5 governors played a key role in keeping Nigeria stable, especially during the heated 2023 general elections. He made this known on Monday during a meeting with stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at his Abuja residence.
The meeting brought together several party figures, including former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom; former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; National Secretary of the PDP, Sam Anyanwu; lawmakers—both current and past—as well as delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
During his remarks, Wike revisited the decisions made by the G5 governors ahead of the 2023 elections. According to him, the G5 chose not to back the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, due to their belief that the presidency should shift to the South after eight years of northern leadership under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Wike noted that had the PDP taken their advice seriously, the party’s situation might have been very different today. “You may recall we have said this, we want to say it again; today this country is stabilised because of the activities of the G5 governors,” he said.
He added that while not everyone may agree with their actions, the G5 stood for what they believed was best for the nation and its political balance.
“It doesn’t matter who is a beneficiary or not. The point is that the right thing must be done for the stability of the country,” Wike said, reaffirming their decision and insisting it was in the best interest of national unity and peace.
The Minister also spoke about internal party issues, particularly the controversy surrounding the position of PDP National Secretary. He brought up the case of Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, pointing out that he contested and won the governorship while still serving as the party’s state chairman, without stepping down first.
“Kefas, wherever you are, hear me today. It was when he won as governor that he appointed his successor. Is that not correct?” Wike asked.
Meanwhile, Samuel Ortom, who also spoke at the meeting, stood in support of Wike’s contributions to the PDP, stating, “No one has contributed to the party like Wike had.” He admitted that the party made several mistakes that cost it dearly in recent times.
Ortom also urged party members to return to the basics, follow proper procedures, and seek divine guidance in order to reposition the PDP for future leadership. He noted the importance of upholding both the Nigerian Constitution and the party’s own rules.
