We won’t allow people from other parties ruin PDP – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed that founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow entrants from other parties to ruin the party’s foundation

Wike made the remarks on Sunday during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the PDP, held at his official residence in Abuja.

He also criticized the Tanimu Turaki-led faction for allegedly flouting court rulings by holding what he described as an “illegal convention.” Wike stressed that the party must respect judicial processes to regain public trust.

He accused the faction of ignoring two substantive Federal High Court judgments while proceeding with their own convention and later approaching a State High Court for recognition.

“You went to a State High Court to sue the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking that the convention must take place. 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 the same group returned to 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 recognise you. If INEC already recognised you, what exactly are you going to court for?” he questioned.

Wike warned that such actions could endanger the party’s future, emphasizing that leaders must prioritize commitment and honesty over selfish interests.

“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 party members to support lawful leadership and unite to rebuild the PDP in accordance with democratic principles and judicial integrity.

During the meeting, participants called for the NEC to establish a Caretaker Committee as the tenure of the current National Working Committee (NWC) expires on Tuesday.

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), said the transition aligns with the party’s constitution and is intended to ensure administrative continuity, unity, and stability across PDP structures. He noted that caretaker leadership is also being established in certain states and zones, including Anambra and the South-East, where congresses were previously not held, to prevent leadership gaps.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the NEC constituted a 13-member National Caretaker Committee, with Abdulrahman Mohammed as Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Secretary, to oversee the party’s affairs pending a national convention. Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) was appointed National Legal Adviser, while Umar Bature was named National Organising Secretary.

Other committee members include Dr Kyari Grema, Janguda Mohammed, Okechukwu Osuana, Senator Nwogu Olaka, Senator Sandy Onor, Prof. Adenike Ogunse, Bisi Kolawole, Deji Doherty, and Dr Ibrahim Aboki.

The caretaker committee is mandated to manage the party for 60 days, during which all pending congresses must be conducted and a national convention held.

(NAN)

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