National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), says his personal relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, remains intact despite Wike’s expulsion from the party.

Turaki made the remarks during an interview explaining that while he respects Wike as a long-time colleague and friend, the former Rivers State Governor’s status in the PDP is no longer in question, stressing that the party’s National Convention—the highest decision-making body—has spoken decisively.

“Wike is my friend, a very good one at that. I don’t deny my friends. But friendship doesn’t change the fact that he is no longer a member of our party,” Turaki said.

He added that only divine intervention could reverse the expulsion, faulting the affected individuals for creating “imaginary narratives” to mislead the public about their standing in the PDP.

PDP Forms Legal Team to Reclaim Rivers Assembly Seats

Responding to the recent wave of defections in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Turaki revealed that the PDP has mobilized a high-powered legal team to challenge the 16 lawmakers who left the party.

“We have already assembled a formidable legal team to contest the legitimacy of the seats of the 16 members who defected,” he confirmed.

Turaki noted that while governors—like their counterparts in Rivers and Osun—may choose to defect as part of their constitutional rights, such moves carry moral weight. He said the PDP had invested in these leaders, and leaving “with impunity” raises questions about their political integrity in their new parties.

APC Behind Rivers Crisis, Says Turaki

Speaking on the lingering political tensions in Rivers State, Turaki accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the crisis by leveraging a sitting minister to destabilize the PDP from within.

He expressed disappointment that Governor Siminalayi Fubara eventually aligned himself with the same political actors allegedly responsible for the turmoil.

PDP: Rebuilding and Reclaiming Its Space

Despite the defections, Turaki insisted that the PDP’s strength is not tied to individuals but to its grassroots support. He admitted the party has made mistakes but emphasized that corrective steps are underway.

“We have learnt from the past. There’s a new sheriff in town, and we are returning the party to its owners—the people,” he said.

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He also disclosed that the party has taken legal action to reopen its national secretariat, which was recently sealed.

2027 Presidency: PDP Will Let Nigerians Decide

On discussions surrounding potential presidential candidates for 2027—including the possible return of former President Goodluck Jonathan or former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi—Turaki said the party will allow its members and supporters to determine the best path forward.

He confirmed, however, that he remains in communication with both figures.