Jacob Mark, a former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has dismissed concerns that Peter Obi’s potential return to the party could be hindered by the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking in an interview on Arise News, Mark described Wike’s perceived grip on the PDP as exaggerated, noting that the minister has not participated in party affairs for over a year.
“Wike is not involved in the running of the PDP. He hasn’t attended any party meetings in the past year,” Mark said. “When people claim he controls the PDP, I get genuinely concerned. That assumption reflects a lack of proper investigation.”
Mark explained that in states like Kaduna, where he is currently active, Wike has virtually no influence. “I’m in Kaduna for a caucus meeting in preparation for a bye-election, and no one here is concerned about Wike or what he’s doing in Abuja.”
He stressed that the party is actively restructuring and revitalizing from the grassroots up, independently of Wike or his allies.
“Wike’s so-called influence seems to exist only at the national level, perhaps because of personal relationships with members of the National Working Committee,” Mark said. “But at the state level, especially in the North, he is largely irrelevant.”
He also expressed optimism about the PDP’s future, saying recent developments—including the exit of some long-standing party figures—have created space for new leadership and growth.
“Some people leaving the party has actually helped us,” Mark continued. “Those who used to block progress are no longer standing in the way. This opens the door for a new generation of PDP leaders.”
Commenting further on Wike’s loyalty, Mark questioned how someone who has publicly supported opposition candidates could still be considered a committed member of the PDP.
“He hasn’t participated in any PDP activity recently. In fact, he has admitted to supporting the opposition in several states to ensure the PDP loses. That’s not the behavior of a true party member.”
In closing, Mark emphasized that Peter Obi should not be deterred by Wike’s presence or absence. “If Obi wants to return to the PDP, he should not waste a moment thinking about Wike. The party belongs to all of us, not one individual.”
