Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed that he and other founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will not allow individuals who recently joined the party from other platforms to “kill” 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 PDP for flouting court judgments by conducting what he described as an “illegal convention,” stressing that the party must respect judicial processes if it hopes to regain Nigerians’ trust.
According to the minister, the faction ignored two substantive Federal High Court judgments and proceeded with its own convention, only to return later to seek recognition from another 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 queried.
He added that the same group later returned to another Federal High Court after holding the controversial convention, asking to be recognised.
“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?” he asked.
Wike warned that disregard for due process could endanger the future of the PDP.
“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 based on democratic values and respect for the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the Board of Trustees, BoT, has urged the NEC to constitute a Caretaker Committee as the tenure of the current National Working Committee expires tomorrow.
Speaking at the NEC meeting, BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, said the move aligns with the party’s constitution and is necessary to ensure smooth transition, stability, and unity across party organs.
He noted that the caretaker structures already being established in some states and zones — including Anambra and the South-East where congresses could not previously hold — are aimed at preventing leadership gaps and strengthening party organisation.
Ohuabunwa said the reforms underway were critical to restoring confidence in the party and reinforcing internal discipline.
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