Umar Sani, who serves as the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, has provided insights into the possibility that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may take disciplinary measures against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
This disclosure is occurring amidst ongoing discussions within the PDP regarding the need for all members to adhere to the core values and principles that the party was founded upon. These internal discussions have gained momentum as Wike’s recent actions and public statements have raised concerns within the party’s leadership.
Sani expressed that the party is carefully monitoring Wike’s conduct, as certain behaviors and comments have created unease within the PDP’s top echelon. He highlighted that these developments are seen as deviations from the party’s expectations for its members, which could lead to consequences for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
In his statements, Sani reaffirmed the PDP’s dedication to fostering unity, discipline, and adherence to party standards among its members. He suggested that any disciplinary actions that may arise would be a reflection of the party’s commitment to ensuring that its representatives align themselves with the party's long-standing objectives and operational guidelines.
During his appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Sani elaborated on the internal dynamics of the party’s approach to this matter. He pointed out that at the time when Wike allegedly breached party rules, there was no standing disciplinary committee in place to promptly address the infractions, which made the situation more challenging to manage. This, he noted, created a gap in the enforcement of the party’s rules and left room for the issues to escalate.
Sani went on to clarify that while the PDP’s leadership has been fully committed to ensuring that all members respect the party’s guidelines, the absence of an official body capable of reviewing and responding to such concerns hindered immediate action against Wike. However, he reassured that the situation is being taken seriously and is actively being addressed.
The PDP has since formed a disciplinary committee, which is currently led by Chief Tom Ikimi. With this committee now in place, the party is better positioned to take appropriate steps against members who are found to be violating party rules. Sani emphasized that this development reflects the PDP's dedication to maintaining accountability and discipline across its ranks.
Sani further remarked that while some have tried to oversimplify the situation, framing it as merely a clash between Abubakar Atiku and Nyesom Wike, the actual underlying issue is much broader. According to Sani, the Governors’ Forum, which had been relatively dormant, has reactivated and is now playing a central role in addressing the crisis.
The Forum, he indicated, is working diligently to resolve internal party conflicts, and although a court order may prevent the physical removal of certain officials, it does not bar the party from suspending members or enforcing discipline where necessary.
Sani also reiterated that there was no established disciplinary committee when Wike allegedly violated the party’s code of conduct. Now that a disciplinary committee has been established, Sani urged patience, stating that it is important to allow the committee to conduct its duties and make recommendations before any assumptions are made regarding Wike's status within the party.