The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it cannot take disciplinary action against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, or any of its members accused of anti-party activities without a formal petition backed by evidence.
PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha, made this known in Abuja while addressing concerns over the party’s handling of disciplinary matters.
He explained that although the party has set up a committee to look into infractions, no petitions have so far been submitted for consideration.
“At our NEC meeting, we set up a disciplinary committee headed by Chief Tom Ikimi, with Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) as secretary, to handle cases of infractions or anti-party activities by any member of the party,” Osuoha said. “But up until today, no one has been prosecuted or sanctioned because no formal petitions have been presented.”
Responding to questions about why Wike has not faced sanctions, Osuoha insisted that mere allegations were not sufficient. He stressed that a petitioner must be willing to testify and provide proof when the accused is invited.
“It is not enough to say someone has committed an offence. A petition has to be submitted, and the petitioner must come forward with evidence,” he added.
The PDP official also noted that the challenge of pursuing disciplinary matters to conclusion was not unique to the party.
“This is the same problem with our wider Nigerian system. It is not just about pointing out anomalies; the challenge is following them through to a conclusion,” he said.
