PDP Crisis: What Ex-Vice President Sambo Suggests On Wike's Suspension
PDP Not Above Internal Discipline
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo’s Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Umar Sani, has indicated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may soon take disciplinary action against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged anti-party activities. Sani's comments underscore the party's intent to assert its authority, stating that no individual, including Wike, is above the party’s rules.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Sani emphasized that the PDP has revived its disciplinary committee, signaling the potential for sanctions against party members who violate the organization's rules. He pointed out that the lack of a functioning disciplinary body at the time of Wike’s alleged infractions had delayed any official action. However, with the establishment of a committee led by Chief Tom Ikimi, the possibility of addressing these issues has become more realistic.
Wike's Alleged Infractions: A New Era of Accountability?
Sani refuted the idea that the tension between Wike and the party leadership is merely a personal rivalry between Wike and former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. Instead, he attributed the crisis to broader concerns within the party, particularly from the PDP Governors' Forum. The Forum, which had been largely inactive, has recently taken a more prominent role in resolving the party’s internal conflicts.
“The issue has been oversimplified, with many framing it as a clash between Atiku and Wike,” Sani said. “But the real driving force is the Governors’ Forum, which had been dormant but has now awakened. The Forum is actively working to resolve the crisis.”
Sani highlighted that the absence of a formal disciplinary structure had allowed Wike's alleged violations to go unaddressed for some time. Now that the PDP has formed a disciplinary committee, there is renewed focus on enforcing party discipline.
Legal Boundaries and Party Discipline
Sani acknowledged that while legal constraints may prevent the outright removal of certain officials, the party retains the authority to suspend members and impose disciplinary measures. This distinction is crucial in navigating the current crisis, particularly as Wike’s prominent position as FCT Minister may complicate efforts to remove him from office. However, Sani stressed that this legal complexity does not absolve Wike from facing potential sanctions.
“While a court order may prevent the removal of officials, it does not stop the party from suspending members or imposing discipline,” Sani remarked.
The Role of the Disciplinary Committee
With the formation of the new disciplinary committee, led by Chief Tom Ikimi, there is a growing expectation that the PDP will take definitive action. According to Sani, it is now up to the committee to investigate and determine whether Wike’s actions warrant disciplinary measures, including suspension.
“There was no disciplinary committee when Wike allegedly violated party rules. Now that we have a committee in place, let’s give them time to do their job before assuming Wike is above party rules,” Sani explained. “Let’s see if they recommend disciplinary action against him.”
Conclusion: Wike Not Beyond the Reach of the PDP
The current internal struggles within the PDP, particularly regarding Nyesom Wike’s alleged anti-party activities, highlight the party’s determination to reassert control and discipline. As the newly formed disciplinary committee begins its work, Wike’s future within the party remains uncertain. However, the message from the party leadership is clear: no individual, regardless of their position, is above the party’s rules
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