The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow recent entrants from other parties to weaken or destroy the party.
Wike made the statement on Sunday during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the PDP, held at his official residence in Abuja.
He also criticized the Tanimu Turaki-led faction for flouting court orders by holding what he called an “illegal convention,” insisting that respect for judicial processes is essential to regain public confidence.
Wike accused the faction of ignoring two Federal High Court rulings, yet proceeding with their own convention and later seeking recognition from a State High Court.
“You went to a State High Court to sue the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking that the convention must take place. You got an ex parte order to override Federal High Court judgments. How do you disobey two final rulings and still claim leadership?” he asked.
He added that the faction returned to court seeking validation after failing to follow lawful rulings. “You held 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?” Wike questioned.
Warning that such actions could endanger the party’s future, Wike stressed that leadership requires commitment and honesty, not propaganda or selfish 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, urging party members to back lawful leadership and work together to rebuild the PDP according to democratic principles and judicial integrity.
At the meeting, participants called for the establishment of a Caretaker Committee to lead the party as the tenure of the current National Working Committee (NWC) expires on Tuesday.
Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), said the move aligns with the party constitution and is meant to ensure continuity, unity, and stability across all party structures. He also noted that caretaker leadership is being implemented in some states and zones, including Anambra and the South-East, to address leadership gaps where congresses could not previously be held.
The NEC subsequently appointed a 13-member National Caretaker Committee, headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed as Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Secretary, to manage the party’s affairs pending a national convention. Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) was named National Legal Adviser, while Umar Bature was appointed National Organising Secretary.
Other committee members include 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 caretaker committee is tasked with running the party for 60 days, during which all pending congresses must be completed and a national convention conducted.
(NAN)
