A top member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jacob Mark, has said Peter Obi should not worry about Nyesom Wike if he wants to return to the party. Speaking on Arise News, Mark downplayed Wike’s influence in PDP and questioned why people think he controls the party.
Mark, a former National Legal Adviser of the PDP, said Wike hasn’t attended any party meetings for over a year. He added that Wike’s presence in the APC-led government shows he’s no longer actively part of the PDP.
He criticized those who believe Wike runs the PDP, saying they haven’t done proper research. According to him, the actual work of the party is happening across states, far from what Wike is doing in Abuja.
Mark said the PDP in Kaduna is busy preparing for upcoming bye-elections and that no one in the state is discussing Wike. He explained that party leaders at the state level are focused on growing the party, without input from Abuja.
He also pointed out that Wike has little or no influence in states like Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue. Mark argued that just having friends at the national level does not make someone the leader of the party.
He believes some people in Abuja might be giving Wike more importance than he deserves, but on the ground, PDP members don’t feel his presence or support.
Mark said the PDP is currently regrouping and working to become a stronger and more focused opposition party. He welcomed the departure of some party members, saying it has created space for others to grow and take on leadership roles.
He criticized older politicians who refuse to step aside, comparing the situation to civil service where retirement is necessary to allow others to rise.
He described Wike as someone who may call himself a PDP member but hasn’t participated in any meaningful way. According to Mark, Wike hasn’t attended NEC meetings and has even supported opposition candidates against the PDP.
In his view, Wike may have connections in Abuja, but across most states in Nigeria, he is not seen as part of the party’s active leadership. Mark ended by stressing that Wike cannot stop Peter Obi if he chooses to come back to the PDP.
