Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Friday threw his weight behind the Federal High Court judgment that halted preparations for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled for November 15–16, accusing the party’s current leadership of gross impunity and disrespect for internal democracy.
Wike, who spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, said the court’s intervention was necessary to check what he called “arrogant leadership” in the party.
He alleged that key officers and some governors had sidelined due process and pushed aggrieved party faithful to seek justice in court.
“The laws are there to follow. If you don’t follow the law, there’s nothing we can do. We will allow justice to prevail,” Wike declared, insisting the PDP must return to democratic principles if it hopes to regain national relevance.
The fiery former Rivers State governor, who fell out with the PDP leadership after the 2022 presidential primary, applauded members who challenged the planned convention, saying they acted to protect the party.
“Leadership that does not recognise those who have sustained the party is dangerous. We will not allow anybody to use the party to negotiate personal benefits,” he said.
Wike also mocked the party leaders who, according to him, believed they could intimidate dissenting voices, joking: “Monkey dey jump… now we are three there, three here,” drawing laughter from the audience.
The meeting had in attendance National Secretary Sam Anyanwu; former governors Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu; Senators Philip Aduda and Mao Ohuabunwa; members of the PDP Board of Trustees; and lawmakers from the South-East, South-South and North-Central zones.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier restrained party officials from taking further steps towards the Ibadan convention following a suit alleging violations of the PDP constitution and Electoral Act.
Reacting, the party described the ruling as a “direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy.”
National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the PDP had filed an appeal and would press ahead with convention preparations pending the legal process.
“We urge our members to remain steadfast. The party remains committed to the rule of law while seeking redress,” Ologunagba said.
Wike noted that the battle was not personal but aimed at rescuing the PDP from collapse, urging leaders from wards to national level to recommit to transparency.
He warned that refusing to follow laid-down rules would continue to weaken the party and empower the ruling party.
“This is not about individuals. It’s about the survival of our party. We must restore confidence,” he stressed.
The crisis underscores deepening internal fractures in the main opposition party, raising questions over its preparedness to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 elections.
The much-anticipated communiqué is expected to outline steps toward reconciliation and a revised timeline for a national convention—if the courts permit one.
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