Saraki Breaks Silence On Wike’s Exit From PDP Peace Talks

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has weighed in on the growing tension within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following the withdrawal of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from the party’s reconciliation efforts.

Wike had announced on Sunday that he was pulling out of the peace talks, blaming Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for fueling the internal crisis rocking the party.

The intensifying rift now threatens the upcoming 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for May 27.

Reacting to the development, Saraki, through his media aide Yusuph Olaniyonu, told Punch that Wike’s withdrawal is not necessarily a setback, but rather a sign that more work needs to be done to mend fences.

“Wike’s decision to step away isn’t a defeat. It simply highlights the need to double our reconciliation efforts,” Saraki said. “As a mediator, you must maintain neutrality and avoid reacting publicly to every twist in the conflict, as this could risk misinterpretation.”

He also referenced Wike’s own comments, suggesting the minister still acknowledged his role in the committee, despite his current position.

Saraki cautioned that allowing the PDP to collapse would be dangerous for Nigeria’s democratic structure, warning that the country could slide into a one-party state.

“The PDP is more than a political party; it’s the last remaining legacy party from Nigeria’s democratic transition. The AD and APP are long gone—only PDP remains. Letting it die would be a severe blow to our democracy,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, sources within the PDP National Working Committee revealed that due to the ongoing unrest and threats to the NEC meeting, the party’s Board of Trustees has convened an emergency meeting in Abuja today (Monday).