Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to elements within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who joined from other political parties, accusing them of attempts to undermine the party’s future.
Speaking on Sunday at the PDP’s 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at his Abuja residence, Wike insisted that founding members of the PDP would not allow the party to be “killed” by newcomers.
He also condemned a faction of the party for staging what he described as an “illegal convention” in violation of court judgments, underscoring the need to respect judicial rulings to restore public confidence.
“You went to a State High Court to sue INEC, asking that the convention must take place, and you got an ex-parte order to override judgments of the Federal High Court. How do you disobey two final judgments and still claim leadership?” Wike asked.
The FCT Minister further challenged the faction’s legal maneuvers: “You had the convention without obeying the court, and now you are back asking a Federal High Court to recognize you. If INEC already recognizes you, what exactly are you going to court for?”
Warning about the dangers of internal divisions, Wike stated, “We must not allow our party to die. Leadership requires commitment and honesty, not propaganda. If we don’t respect our own laws, how do we earn respect from Nigerians?”
Wike said; “You went to a State High Court to sue INEC, asking that the convention must take place, and you got an ex-parte order to override judgments of the Federal High Court. How do you disobey two final judgments and still claim leadership?”
He further stated that the same group returned to another court, seeking validation after failing to comply with lawful rulings.
“You had the convention without obeying the court, and now you are back asking a Federal High Court to recognize you. If INEC already recognizes you, what exactly are you going to court for?” he asked.
Wike warned that such actions could jeopardize the future of the party, stressing that leaders must not allow selfish interests to destroy the political platform that has existed since 1998.
“We must not allow our party to die. Leadership requires commitment and honesty, not propaganda. If we don’t respect our own laws, how do we earn respect from Nigerians?” Wike stated.
He called on party faithful to support lawful leadership and unite to rebuild the PDP in line with democratic principles and judicial integrity.
Meanwhile, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP has been urged to constitute a Caretaker Committee to guide the party forward as the tenure of the current National Working Committee expires tomorrow.
Addressing the 104th meeting of the party, the BoT Chairman, the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, urged the NEC to constitute a Caretaker Committee to manage the party’s affairs as the tenure of the current National Working Committee ends tomorrow.
Ohuabunwa stressed that the transition aligns with the party constitution and is essential for continuity, unity, and stability.
He noted ongoing efforts to install caretaker leadership in states and zones — including Anambra and the South-East — where congresses were delayed, describing these steps as vital to avoid leadership vacuums and strengthen party structures.
Credit: The Sun