The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he and other founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow those who joined PDP from other parties to kill the party.
Wike said this on Sunday during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the party held at the minister’s official residence in Abuja.
The minister also berated the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the party for violating court judgements by conducting what he described as an “illegal convention”.
He insisted that the party must respect judicial processes if it hopes to regain public confidence.
He accused the faction of disregarding two substantive judgements of the Federal High Court, which he said had ruled on the matter, yet they proceeded to hold their own convention and later approached a State High Court to seek recognition.
“You went to a State High Court to sue the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), asking that the convention must take place.
“You got an ex parte order to override judgements of the Federal High Court. How do you disobey two final judgements and still claim leadership?” he asked.
Wike 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 recognise you. If INEC already recognised you, what exactly are you going to court for?” he asked.
The FCT minister warned that such actions could jeopardise 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 asked.
He called on the party faithful to support lawful leadership and unite to rebuild the PDP in line with democratic principles and judicial integrity.
Meanwhile, participants at the meeting urged the party’s NEC to constitute a Caretaker Committee to guide the party forward on grounds that the tenure of the current National Working Committee (NWC) expires on Tuesday.
Responding, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, emphasised that the transition plan aligns with the party’s constitution to ensure administrative continuity, unity, and stability across all structures of the party.
