By our correspondant
The 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 from other political platforms to undermine or destabilize the party.
Speaking during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held recently at his official residence in Abuja, Wike criticized a faction of the party for what he described as blatant disregard for court rulings and due process.
He accused the group of violating two existing Federal High Court judgments by conducting what he termed an “illegal convention,” and then seeking validation from a State High Court.
“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.
He added that after holding the controversial convention in defiance of binding judicial orders, the same group returned to another court to seek recognition.
“You held the convention in defiance of the court and still returned to a Federal High Court asking to be recognized. If INEC already recognizes you, what exactly are you going back to court for?” he queried.
Wike warned that such actions pose a grave risk to the party’s future, stressing that the PDP cannot regain public trust if internal actors continue to undermine its legal and institutional frameworks.
“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 said.
He urged members to rally behind lawful party leadership and work collectively to rebuild the PDP on the foundations of integrity, due process, and unity.
Meanwhile, the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) has been advised to immediately constitute a Caretaker Committee, as the tenure of the current National Working Committee (NWC) expires on Monday.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, who made the call during the NEC meeting, said the transition plan is fully aligned with the party’s constitution and designed to ensure continuity, cohesion, and stability across all levels of the party.
Ohuabunwa noted that the caretaker structure is part of broader efforts to strengthen internal reforms, restore members’ confidence, and enforce strict adherence to the rule of law. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to establish caretaker leadership in states and zones – including Anambra and the South-East where congresses were previously not conducted – describing the measures as essential to preventing leadership vacuums and enhancing organizational efficiency.
