Former PDP National Legal Adviser Jacob Mark emphasized that Peter Obi can return to the party without fearing Wike.
While speaking on Arise News, Mark clarified that Wike’s perceived dominance in PDP is exaggerated and politically misleading.
He stressed that Wike hasn’t attended PDP meetings for over a year, clearly distancing himself from party leadership.
Therefore, Mark asserted that Wike’s absence from critical meetings shows his declining influence over PDP operations nationwide.
In Kaduna, Mark attended a PDP state caucus meeting preparing for bye-elections, without any involvement from Wike whatsoever.
Moreover, he pointed out that the party’s northern structures function independently and aren’t aligned with Wike in Abuja.
“In Kaduna and other northern states, nobody discusses Wike. His presence is irrelevant and politically insignificant,” he noted.
He addressed public concerns regarding Wike’s stance on Obi’s possible return, calling such worries exaggerated and misinformed.
Furthermore, Mark argued that media narratives often inflate Wike’s relevance, which no longer reflects grassroots party dynamics.
“Wike is unknown in most northern PDP zones. He wields no visible political clout outside Abuja,” Mark confidently stated.
He admitted that Wike may have allies within the National Working Committee, but those ties lack grassroots legitimacy.
“But friendships in Abuja don’t equate to national leadership. The party is more than elite connections,” he explained further.
PDP is Refocusing and Regenerating Its Leadership
Mark welcomed recent defections, stating those exits allowed growth and rejuvenation for long-stalled PDP leadership structures.
“Honestly, some leaders blocked progress. Once they left, new voices emerged to strengthen the party,” he declared confidently.
He emphasized that politics, like civil service, requires retirement to create room for new, effective leadership ideas.
“Stagnant leadership kills democracy. PDP must evolve and empower younger members to lead boldly,” he passionately affirmed.
Ultimately, Mark credited PDP founders for the recent refocusing effort, which is revitalizing Nigeria’s democratic opposition space.
“Soon, Nigerians will witness a vibrant, fearless PDP committed to holding the ruling government fully accountable,” he concluded.
