The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has asserted that welcoming Peter Obi back into the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would spell disaster for the party.

During a media session in Abuja, Wike noted that key PDP figures like Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro have been engaged in discussions with both Obi and former President Goodluck Jonathan regarding a potential return to the party.

Obi officially left the PDP days before its 2023 presidential primary and later joined the Labour Party—a move that positioned him as its presidential candidate that year.

Wike said Obi’s character disqualified him from returning, citing past insults against the party: “Obi was abusing the party, saying it is rotten. So now the party is suddenly good enough for him to come and contest on its platform?”

He continued, criticizing the idea as incompatible with the party’s integrity: “That kind of ambition can make people even go to Satan’s house.”

Wike warned that the party stands to lose credibility and its guiding principles if Obi is welcomed back. “Anybody suggesting that Obi should return is entitled to their opinion. But if you want to destroy this party, then bring Obi back,” he declared.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan against returning to the 2027 presidential race, saying he should continue to serve Nigeria as a respected statesman instead.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Wike noted persistent rumours that Jonathan might vie for the presidency again on the PDP platform, though the ex-president has not publicly addressed the speculation.

“I know Jonathan very well. He enjoys being respected internationally as a statesman and I believe he will continue in that role,” Wike remarked.

He sharply criticised those encouraging Jonathan’s return, arguing they are the very figures who undermined him during the 2015 election.

“People pushing Jonathan — what strength do they have? Were they not the same people who worked against him in 2015?” he queried.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has publicly apologized following his verbal outburst against NTA Transport Correspondent and former NAWOJ president, Comrade Ladi Bala, during the coverage of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment.

Opeifa made the apology at a press briefing held on Sunday at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Abuja. He explained that the incident occurred under intense pressure, as he was managing the emergency response.

“I sincerely apologize for the regrettable remarks I made, which were directed at a seasoned journalist and reflected poorly on both the NUJ FCT and NAWOJ,” he stated.

In an attempt to promote reconciliation, Opeifa awarded Comrade Bala the honorary title of Ambassador for Media Advocacy—a symbolic gesture of the NRC’s renewed commitment to press freedom and better media relations.

Speaking further about the derailment, Opeifa confirmed that eight coaches and one locomotive were involved, carrying 618 passengers, of whom approximately 20 were injured, including seven critically. Emergency protocols were swiftly activated, engaging agencies such as NEMA, NAN, the military, NISA, and state health ministries, to ensure a coordinated response.