Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he and other founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow individuals who recently joined the party from other political platforms to undermine or destroy it.
Speaking during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at his residence in Abuja on Sunday, Wike criticised a faction of the party for conducting what he described as an “illegal convention.” He said the group ignored two valid judgments of the Federal High Court and proceeded to seek protection from a State High Court, a move he described as a disregard for the rule of law.
Wike said the faction filed a case before a State High Court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise their convention, despite earlier rulings from the Federal High Court on the matter.
“You went to a State High Court to sue INEC, asking that the convention must take place, and then secured an ex-parte order to overrule two Federal High Court judgments. How do you ignore final judgments and still claim leadership?” he asked.
He added that the same group, after conducting the disputed convention, returned to another court seeking recognition, raising questions about their intentions and respect for due process.
“You already held the convention without obeying court orders, and now you’re back asking the Federal High Court for validation. If INEC already recognizes you, what exactly are you going back to court for?” he queried.
Wike warned that such actions threaten the survival of the PDP, stressing that the party must uphold its internal laws and judicial decisions to regain public trust.
“We must not allow our party to collapse. Leadership demands honesty and dedication, not propaganda. If we don’t follow our own rules, how do we expect Nigerians to take us seriously?” he said.
He urged members to support the party’s lawful leadership and work collectively to rebuild the PDP on the foundation of unity, democratic values, and respect for the rule of law.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, said the current transition plan is fully in line with the party’s constitution. He noted that it aims to promote stability, unity, and continuity across the party’s structures.
According to him, the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen internal reforms, restore members’ confidence, and reinforce respect for legal and constitutional procedures within the party.Wike Faults Factional PDP Leaders, Says Founding Members Won’t Allow Party to Be Destroyed
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he and other founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow individuals who recently joined the party from other political platforms to undermine or destroy it.
Speaking during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at his residence in Abuja on Sunday, Wike criticised a faction of the party for conducting what he described as an “illegal convention.” He said the group ignored two valid judgments of the Federal High Court and proceeded to seek protection from a State High Court, a move he described as a disregard for the rule of law.
Wike said the faction filed a case before a State High Court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise their convention, despite earlier rulings from the Federal High Court on the matter.
“You went to a State High Court to sue INEC, asking that the convention must take place, and then secured an ex-parte order to overrule two Federal High Court judgments. How do you ignore final judgments and still claim leadership?” he asked.
He added that the same group, after conducting the disputed convention, returned to another court seeking recognition, raising questions about their intentions and respect for due process.
“You already held the convention without obeying court orders, and now you’re back asking the Federal High Court for validation. If INEC already recognizes you, what exactly are you going back to court for?” he queried.
Wike warned that such actions threaten the survival of the PDP, stressing that the party must uphold its internal laws and judicial decisions to regain public trust.
“We must not allow our party to collapse. Leadership demands honesty and dedication, not propaganda. If we don’t follow our own rules, how do we expect Nigerians to take us seriously?” he said.
He urged members to support the party’s lawful leadership and work collectively to rebuild the PDP on the foundation of unity, democratic values, and respect for the rule of law.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, said the current transition plan is fully in line with the party’s constitution. He noted that it aims to promote stability, unity, and continuity across the party’s structures.
According to him, the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen internal reforms, restore members’ confidence, and reinforce respect for legal and constitutional procedures within the party.
