We must not allow PDP to die, says Wike

File photo of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has vowed that he and other founding members of his led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party will not allow individuals who joined the party from other platforms to “kill” it through disobedience to court orders and parallel activities.

Wike, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, made this known during the party’s 104th National Executive Committee meeting held at his official residence in Abuja.

Wike accused the Turaki-led faction of violating two Federal High Court judgments by conducting what he described as an “illegal convention,” referring to the Ibadan gathering that elected Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and others into the National Working Committee after the closure of Wadata Plaza.

“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?” he said.

He faulted the faction for “running from court to court” while disregarding subsisting 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 recognises you, what exactly are you going to court for?” he asked.

The FCT Minister warned that such actions threaten the survival of the party, stressing that PDP, formed in 1998, cannot be allowed to collapse due to personal 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.

His remarks come amid deepening controversy over the November 15 Ibadan convention, which produced Turaki as National Chairman with the backing of governors such as Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi.

Although former National Chairman Umar Damagum handed over before the expiration of his tenure on December 9, Wike-backed Mohammed Abdulrahman and Samuel Anyanwu maintain they remain Acting National Chairman and National Secretary, arguing that the Ibadan meeting was not legally convened.

Meanwhile, the Wike-led faction (PDP NEC) has constituted a 13-member National Caretaker Committee to oversee the party for 60 days following the expiration of the outgoing NWC’s tenure.

The committee, chaired by Abdulrahman Mohammed with Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Secretary, is mandated to conduct all pending congresses and organise a national convention.

“Other members of the Caretaker Committee are: National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), National Organising Secretary, Hon. Umar M. Bature, Dr Kyari Grema, Hon Janguda Haruna Mohammed, Barr. Okechukwu Osuana, Senator Nwogu Olaka, Senator Sandy Onor, Prof Adenike Ogunse, Hon. Bisi Kolawole, Engr Deji Doherty,  and Dr Ibrahim Bala Aboki.”

Separately, BoT Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa emphasised that ongoing transition measures are designed to align with the party constitution and ensure “administrative continuity, unity, and stability across all structures of the party.”

He added that these steps are part of broader efforts to “consolidate internal reforms, restore confidence among members, and strengthen compliance with the rule of law.”

Ohuabunwa also highlighted the establishment of caretaker leadership in certain states and zones, including Anambra and the South-East, where congresses could not previously be held, describing the initiatives as “necessary to prevent leadership gaps and enhance party organisation.”

The PDP remains split between the Turaki-led leadership operating from a newly opened secretariat and the Wike-aligned bloc, which is preparing further meetings as the power struggle intensifies.

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