Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he and other founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow politicians who recently joined the party from other platforms to destabilise it.
Wike issued the warning on Sunday during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at his official residence in Abuja.
He criticised a faction of the party for what he described as an “illegal convention,” accusing the group of defying two valid judgments of the Federal High Court that had already ruled on the matter. According to him, the same faction later obtained an ex-parte order from a State High Court to force the convention to hold—an action he says undermines judicial integrity and internal order.
Wike Questions Legitimacy of Faction’s Actions
“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 queried.
He said the group further complicated its case by returning to another court after holding the disputed convention, seeking validation of an action conducted in violation of court orders.
“You had the convention without obeying the court, and now you are back asking a Federal High Court to recognise you. If INEC already recognises you, what exactly are you going to court for?” the minister asked.
Wike warned that constant disregard for lawful rulings and the party’s constitution could jeopardise the future of the PDP. He urged members to protect the political platform built since 1998 and resist attempts to weaken it.
“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?” he added.
BoT Calls for Caretaker Committee as NWC Tenure Expires
Meanwhile, the NEC has been urged to immediately constitute a Caretaker Committee to steer the party as the tenure of the current National Working Committee (NWC) expires tomorrow.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, who addressed the NEC, stressed that the step is crucial for ensuring continuity, unity, and administrative stability across all party structures.
He explained that the move aligns with the PDP constitution and forms part of broader internal reforms aimed at restoring confidence among members and strengthening adherence to the rule of law.
The BoT also highlighted ongoing efforts to put caretaker leadership in place in states and zones where congresses could not hold, such as Anambra and the South-East, describing the interventions as necessary to prevent leadership gaps and enhance party organisation.