A former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jacob Mark, has stated that if Peter Obi wishes to return to the party, he should not be concerned about the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as Wike's influence within the party is greatly exaggerated.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Mark addressed the widespread belief that the PDP is currently under Wike's control, despite the FCT minister serving in an All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
"Wike is not a member of the PDP. This is because in the last one year or more, he has not attended any PDP meeting," Mark declared. "And when I hear people say he's in charge or he's in control of PDP, I really get worried, because it appears we are very lazy in terms of investigation."
Mark emphasized that Wike's supposed influence does not extend to many states, particularly in northern Nigeria. "Wike has very little, if I can say, zero influence in Kaduna state as far as the PDP is concerned. So when people talk about Wike running PDP or PDP being in his hands, I wonder what they really mean," he stated.
The former legal adviser suggested that Wike's perceived control might be limited to his relationships with some members of the National Working Committee or individuals at the national level who have "sold their conscience."
"Wike's powers or control are being exaggerated. And with due respect to him, I'm not sure he also understands that he is limited in whatever they are ascribing to him. He does not control the PDP," Mark asserted.
According to Mark, the PDP is currently undergoing a process of regrouping and refocusing, with the party's founders having put in significant effort over the past two months. He expressed optimism that the party would soon emerge as the vibrant opposition that Nigeria needs.
"Honestly, we are so happy. Personally, I'm so happy that some of the people who have left the PDP have left the party because they were just a problem," he said, suggesting that the departure of certain individuals has created opportunities for growth and progression within the party.
Mark criticized the tendency of some long-standing members to block the advancement of others, comparing it to a situation where elders who should be guiding from the sidelines are still "wearing the jersey to play the football match."
Regarding Wike's claim of PDP membership, Mark was dismissive: "If he says he's a member of the PDP, that's his cup of tea, but we don't see him. He has not attended NEC in the last one year."
He further pointed out that Wike has openly boasted about supporting opponents of the PDP in several states to ensure the party's failure. "So what kind of member of the party is that?" Mark questioned.
The former legal adviser concluded by emphasizing Wike's irrelevance in many states across Nigeria: "In my state and the several states in the country, go to Plateau, go to Benue, go to any other state, Wike is unknown."
These comments come amid speculation about Peter Obi's political future and potential return to the PDP ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
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