Wike Vows to Stop New Entrants From “Killing” PDP, Accuses Rival Faction of Flouting Court Orders

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he and other founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow politicians who defected into the party from elsewhere to “kill” the political organisation.

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

He criticised the Tanimu Turaki-led faction for allegedly violating court rulings by organising what he described as an “illegal convention.”

According to Wike, the PDP must abide by judicial processes if it hopes to regain the trust of Nigerians.

He accused the Turaki-led group of ignoring two Federal High Court judgements that had already addressed the dispute but still proceeded to hold their own convention before going to 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?” Wike queried.

He added that the faction later returned to another court seeking validation after ignoring the earlier 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 minister warned that such actions could endanger the future of the PDP, insisting that leaders must avoid selfish behaviour capable of weakening the party founded in 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?” he said.

Wike urged members to back lawful leadership and work together to rebuild the party in accordance with democratic procedures and respect for the judiciary.

Meanwhile, participants at the NEC meeting called for the formation of a Caretaker Committee, arguing that the tenure of the current National Working Committee (NWC) expires on Tuesday.

Responding, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, said the proposed transition aligns with the PDP constitution to ensure stability, unity, and continuity within the party.

He noted that the party is already setting up caretaker structures in certain states and zones, including Anambra and the South-East, where congresses could not be held earlier, saying the measure would prevent leadership gaps and improve internal organisation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NEC eventually constituted a National Caretaker Committee to take charge as the NWC’s tenure ends on Tuesday.

The 13-member committee is chaired by Abdulrahman Mohammed, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu serving as Secretary. Other appointments include Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) as National Legal Adviser and Umar Bature as National Organising Secretary.

Additional committee members are 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 committee has been mandated to run the PDP for 60 days, during which all outstanding congresses must be completed and a national convention conducted.

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