The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has attributed Nigeria’s continued stability to the bold intervention of the defunct G-5 governors during the 2023 general elections, asserting that their resistance within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prevented a potential national crisis.

Wike made the remarks while addressing a gathering of Concerned PDP Stakeholders at his residence in Abuja. Reflecting on the events leading up to the election, Wike—himself a prominent member of the G-5—criticized the party’s leadership for disregarding the group’s call for power rotation to the South following eight years of Northern presidency under Muhammadu Buhari.

“You may like us or hate us, but the truth remains—had the G5 not taken the stand we did, this country would be facing serious turmoil today,” Wike stated. “We upheld constitutional principles over party impunity. If the PDP had listened, it wouldn’t be in the situation it finds itself now.”

The meeting was attended by former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), PDP National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu, and several lawmakers representing constituencies across the country.

Wike condemned the influence of “selfish interests and greed” within the party, blaming these factors for undermining PDP’s cohesion and alienating its founding ideals. He called for a recommitment to the party’s constitutional values and urged leaders to rise above personal ambition.

“It is not about who gained or lost politically—the G5 acted in the nation’s best interest,” he said. “No opposition party survives impunity. PDP must let the Constitution—not ego—guide its operations.”

Citing what he described as clear instances of double standards, Wike pointed to Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, alleging that he contested the party’s governorship ticket while still serving as state party chairman, in violation of internal party rules. He urged the PDP to address such abuses and close loopholes exploited for personal gain.

In support of Wike’s position, former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom admitted the PDP had made serious missteps and called for divine guidance in restoring the party’s integrity.

“Only God can help PDP recover. We must start by respecting both the party’s constitution and the laws of the land,” Ortom added.

The G5—comprising former Governors Wike (Rivers), Ortom (Benue), Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and incumbent Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde—opposed the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on grounds that his candidacy violated the party’s zoning agreement.

Their rebellion led to internal divisions within the PDP, further complicated by Wike’s subsequent appointment as FCT Minister under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. His continued PDP membership while serving in an APC-led government has remained a contentious issue, intensifying the party’s ongoing internal crisis.