The Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees (BoT) visited FCT Minister Nyesom Wike at his residence in Abuja on Tuesday to commiserate with him over the death of the party's National Vice Chairman (South South), Chief Dan Orbih. The BoT delegation, led by its Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, included Senator Zainab Kure, former Minister of Sports, Hon Damishi Sango, and the BoT Secretary, Isah Dansidi. They described Dan Orbih's death as shocking and painful to the party.
The BoT Chairman, Senator Ohuabunwa, disclosed that the delegation was carefully selected to represent all geopolitical zones, despite the BoT having over 100 members. The team came to console Wike and express their condolences on the loss of a pillar of the party and a close associate of Wike. Dan Orbih was also a member of the BoT and played a significant role in Wike's emergence as Governor of Rivers State in 2015.
Senator Ohuabunwa stated that the BoT wanted to solidarize with Wike, encourage him, and express their pride in his performance and capacity. The BoT Chairman emphasized that Wike's actions and statements about the party are truthful, and the party is proud of him as a person and in his role as FCT Minister. The BoT urged Wike to remain focused and steadfast in his commitment to the party.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike thanked the PDP BoT members for their visit and reiterated his commitment to remaining in the party and working with others to rebuild it. He described Dan Orbih's death as an irreparable loss and disclosed that the deceased played a crucial role in his emergence as Governor of Rivers State. Wike stated that Dan Orbih stood by the truth during the crisis in Rivers State PDP, which led to his appointment as governor.
Wike also mentioned that he would continue to support President Bola Tinubu's reelection in 2027, emphasizing that it would be wrong for him to support another person to face Tinubu. However, he urged the PDP to focus on contesting elections at the subnational levels. The FCT Minister expressed appreciation for the BoT's visit, noting that the loss of Dan Orbih is also a loss to the BoT.
The PDP BoT's visit to Wike was seen as a gesture of solidarity and support for the FCT Minister, who has been a vocal advocate for the party's interests. The BoT's statement is a testament to Wike's dedication to the party and his role in promoting its ideals. The party's efforts to rebuild and strengthen its structures were also highlighted during the visit.
The condolence visit and Wike's remarks underscore the significance of party unity and loyalty in Nigerian politics. The PDP BoT's expression of pride in Wike's steadfastness and commitment to the party reflects the high esteem in which he is held within the party. As the party prepares for future elections, the BoT's message of support and encouragement to Wike is expected to resonate with party members.
Key points
- The PDP BoT has expressed pride in FCT Minister Nyesom Wike's steadfastness and commitment to the party.
- The BoT urged Wike to remain focused and steadfast in his role as FCT Minister and party member.
- Wike reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu's reelection in 2027 and urged the PDP to focus on subnational elections.
