Veteran journalist and former presidential aide Reuben Abati has said that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has once again emerged as a powerful figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite the party’s ongoing internal crisis.

Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television on Monday, Abati said recent developments in the PDP indicate that Wike’s political influence within the party is rising again, particularly after rival conventions and conflicting court decisions.

He explained that the situation has created uncertainty over which faction of the party is legitimate. Abati referenced various judgments delivered by different courts, including those presided over by Justices Lifu, Omotosho and Akintola, as well as later rulings from the Court of Appeal.

According to him, there are still doubts about the legitimacy of the conventions organised by rival groups in the party, including the one reportedly held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, which was said to have been monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Despite the confusion, Abati said Wike appears to have strengthened his position in the party, with many supporters now seeing him as playing a leading national role.

Abati noted that while Wike’s faction seems to have recorded a political victory, legal questions remain regarding which convention should be recognised under the law. He added that the situation could still lead to further disputes and political drama within the PDP.

He also pointed out that a final decision may eventually come from the Supreme Court, as one faction of the party has taken the matter there to determine which group is authentic.

Abati further said that Wike has stated his intention to support the presidential ambitions of Bola Tinubu, noting that the FCT minister has claimed he would work to help deliver electoral victories at both national and state levels.

In conclusion, Abati described the recent PDP conventions as a weekend filled with intense political activity and controversy, adding that the ongoing crisis continues to put the party in a difficult position.