FCT Minister Wike Warns Against Allowing Newcomers to Destroy PDP, Criticizes Turaki’s Faction

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow people who joined from other parties to ruin the PDP.

Speaking at the 104th National Executive Committee meeting of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction held at his Abuja home on Sunday, Wike criticized the rival faction led by Tanimu Turaki. He accused them of ignoring court rulings by holding what he called an illegal convention.

Wike stressed that the party must follow court orders to regain the public’s trust. He said the opposing faction ignored two Federal High Court rulings but still went ahead with their convention before trying to get approval from a State High Court.

“You went to a State High Court to sue the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), asking that the convention must take place. You got an ex parte order to override judgements of the Federal High Court. How do you disobey two final judgements and still claim leadership?” Wike asked.

He also questioned the group’s legitimacy, saying, “You had 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 warned that such actions could harm the party’s future. He said leaders must put the party first, not personal goals. “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.

The meeting ended with the NEC setting up a 13-member National Caretaker Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed as Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Secretary. This temporary group will run party affairs for 60 days, as the current National Working Committee’s term ends Tuesday. During this time, pending congresses and a national convention are expected to take place.

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said this change follows the party’s constitution to keep the party united, stable, legally compliant, and to restore members’ confidence.