Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he and other founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not permit individuals who joined the party from other political platforms to destabilize it.
Speaking during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at his official residence in Abuja on Sunday, Wike criticized a faction within the party for allegedly violating valid court judgments by conducting what he termed an illegal convention.
He said the PDP must respect judicial processes if it intends to rebuild public confidence. Wike accused the faction of disregarding two substantive Federal High Court rulings on the matter and opting to seek recognition through a State High Court instead.
“You went to a State High Court to sue INEC to compel the convention and got an ex-parte order to override Federal High Court judgments. How do you disobey two final judgments and still claim leadership?” he queried.He added that after holding the convention against court orders, the same group returned to another court seeking validation.
“You held the convention without obeying the court and now you want the Federal High Court to recognize you. If INEC already recognizes you, what exactly are you going back to court for?” Wike asked.
The FCT Minister warned that the actions of the faction could jeopardize the party’s future, emphasizing that the PDP — which has existed since 1998 must not be allowed to collapse. “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 the respect of Nigerians?” he said.
Wike urged party members to rally behind lawful leadership and work together to rebuild the PDP in line with democratic values and judicial integrity.
