The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing response to Chief Bode George, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, following comments that the party made Wike's political career.
Speaking during his monthly press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike insisted that contrary to George's claims, he was responsible for making the PDP popular and winning elections for the party, while questioning George's electoral value in Lagos State.
"Bode George said PDP made me by giving me a national name – I agree, but the party can't make you; you are the one who will make the party win elections," Wike stated.
The minister's comments came in response to George's criticism regarding the recent sealing of the PDP's National Secretariat over unpaid ground rent. Wike suggested that George should "sit in his house and read newspapers" if he has nothing productive to contribute.
Electoral Track Record
Wike challenged George's political relevance, questioning his contributions to PDP's electoral success in Lagos State since 1999.
"Ask Bode George who PDP made popular in Lagos since 1999? Then you are talking to me, who has labored and campaigned for the party to be the major party at the state and national level," Wike remarked.
He added: "While in your state, the party has been crying daily. Even when Jonathan was in power, we knew what we did for PDP to take over power, but it didn't work."
Ground Rent Controversy
The exchange stems from the recent controversy over the sealing of the PDP National Secretariat due to unpaid ground rent. Wike referenced "presidential intervention" in the matter, suggesting that without such intervention, "people said heaven would come down."
"I can't pay and even then can't pay because it's not in my name," Wike explained regarding the ground rent issue.
This public spat highlights growing tensions within the PDP, with Wike, who still maintains he is a PDP member despite serving in an APC-led government, continuing to assert his influence within the party's internal dynamics.
The confrontation between these two prominent PDP figures comes as the party continues to navigate internal challenges ahead of future electoral contests.
