In Nigerian politics, power struggles are not unusual. However, when internal party decisions stir national conversations, there’s often more than meets the eye.
This was the case with the removal of Uche Secondus as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
While many speculated about political vendettas or personal grievances, Nyesom Wike former Rivers State Governor and now FCT Minister has finally laid bare his reasons.
In this detailed breakdown, we explore Wike’s revelations about Secondus’s ousting, touching on sensitive topics like political zoning, betrayal, leadership balance, and the future of the PDP.
Setting the Stage: What Led to Secondus’s Downfall?
According to Wike, the problem didn’t start overnight. Tensions had been brewing between him and Secondus for some time, especially regarding who should control the direction of the PDP in Rivers State.
Wike claimed that Secondus tried to impose his cousin, Tele Ikuru, as the PDP’s governorship candidate in Rivers State. This clashed directly with Wike’s choice, Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike viewed Secondus’s actions as an overreach an attempt to play godfather politics within a state where he, Wike, had maintained political dominance for years.
More importantly, Wike felt Secondus was using his position as national chairman to destabilize the PDP from within, undermining agreed structures and policies.
The Bigger Picture: Party Leadership and Internal Loyalty
Wike stressed that the removal was not simply a personal clash. Instead, it was about preserving the core values of the PDP.
He accused Secondus of betraying the party’s trust by aligning himself with forces that could weaken the PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections.
From Wike’s point of view, a party chairman should act like a referee not a player. Secondus, however, was acting like a politician with a specific agenda.
This raised alarm among party loyalists who believed in neutrality and internal democracy.
Wike emphasized that no leader should use their position to fight personal battles or promote private interests.
He also questioned Secondus’s performance as national chairman, citing a decline in party cohesion and the loss of major party members during his tenure.
Zoning: A Foundational Principle Under Threat
One of the biggest issues Wike raised was zoning. For years, Nigeria’s political parties have followed an informal but critical zoning system.
This system ensures that political positions are rotated across regions to maintain fairness and unity in the multi-ethnic country.
Wike insisted that Secondus’s removal was essential to maintain the North-South zoning balance within the PDP. At the time, the PDP presidential ticket was likely to go to the North.
If the chairman also came from the South, it would send a message that the PDP respected equity.
In contrast, if Secondus a southerner remained chairman, it could disrupt this balance, giving room for accusations of bias and regional dominance.
Therefore, removing Secondus was not just a local political move it was strategic. It allowed the PDP to restructure its leadership in a way that reflected the zoning expectations of millions of Nigerians.
Responding to Critics: “This Is Not About Ego”
Wike did not shy away from addressing those who accused him of being too powerful or dictatorial. Some critics claimed he was using his influence to bulldoze anyone who opposed his decisions.
But Wike denied this. He explained that his actions were for the survival of the PDP. In his words, allowing Secondus to remain in power would have risked handing victory to the APC in the upcoming elections.
“This is not about ego or personal vendetta,” he said. “This is about leadership and accountability. You cannot use your position to destroy what we have built.”
Wike’s Track Record: A Defense of His Legacy
Throughout the interview, Wike took time to remind Nigerians of his contributions to the PDP and to Nigeria as a whole. He pointed to his achievements as Rivers State Governor, especially in infrastructure, health, and education.
He also recalled his time as Minister of State for Education, where he helped reduce the number of out-of-school children and improved basic education funding.
Wike said it was important that Nigerians saw his moves as rooted in principle and not selfish ambition.
According to him, his legacy would speak for itself, and his push to remove Secondus was another example of him choosing the party’s survival over personal comfort.
Internal PDP Reactions and Fallout
Secondus’s removal didn’t come without resistance. Within the PDP, several factions felt the shockwaves of the decision. Some feared it would open old wounds and further divide the party.
Yet, Wike believed the risk was worth taking. In his view, saving the party from weak leadership was more important than preserving the comfort of a few power brokers.
The PDP eventually appointed a new chairman in line with its zoning policies, and the move seemed to stabilize the party heading into the 2023 elections.
Party Unity Over Personality Politics
Wike’s core argument was about loyalty to the party, not to individuals. He believed Secondus had failed to protect the PDP’s core ideals and had made decisions based on personal gain rather than collective growth.
In a political environment where loyalty often gets traded for influence, Wike’s stance was that the PDP could not afford to be led by someone who didn’t have the party’s best interests at heart.
The principle, he explained, was simple: a leader who loses the confidence of the majority must step down for the sake of unity.
Lessons from the Secondus Saga
This episode offers valuable lessons for political parties in Nigeria. Internal democracy, loyalty, and zoning must not be treated as optional principles. When a party’s leadership fails to uphold these tenets, the consequences can be disastrous.
For the PDP, the removal of Secondus marked a turning point. It served as a warning to other party leaders that no one is above the system. Regardless of position or influence, accountability remains key.
What the Future Holds for PDP and Wike
Since becoming Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Wike has remained a central figure in Nigeria’s political discourse. His boldness, leadership style, and influence continue to shape PDP’s future.
As for the party, it must now focus on unity, rebuilding public trust, and ensuring fair representation. The 2023 elections showed that no party can take voters for granted and internal cohesion is essential.
With lessons learned from the Secondus debacle, the PDP has an opportunity to strengthen its internal mechanisms, improve transparency, and re-emerge as a dominant political force.
Nyesom Wike’s detailed account of why Uche Secondus had to go reveals the complex interplay between loyalty, zoning, and power in Nigerian politics.
It was not just about one man’s fall it was about preserving the soul of a party in transition.
As Nigeria continues to evolve democratically, the PDP’s ability to stay true to its principles while navigating internal challenges will determine its relevance in the years to come.
What are your thoughts on Wike’s explanation? Do you think the PDP made the right move by removing Secondus?
Join the conversation in the comments and don’t forget to share this story with others interested in Nigerian politics.
Author:
Grace Ikenna
Date:
May 2, 2025
Leave a Reply