Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed that founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow those who joined the party from other political platforms to “kill” it.
Wike made the statement on Sunday during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the party, held at his official residence in Abuja.
He criticised the Tanimu Turaki-led faction for allegedly violating court orders by holding what he described as an “illegal convention.” According to him, the faction disregarded two substantive judgments of the Federal High Court before approaching a State High Court to secure an ex parte order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise their convention.
“How do you disobey two final judgments and still claim leadership?” Wike asked. He added that the group later returned to the Federal High Court seeking validation despite not complying with earlier rulings.
“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?” he added.
The minister warned that persistent disobedience to judicial processes could jeopardise the future of the PDP, stressing that political leadership must be anchored on honesty and adherence to the rule of law.
“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.
At the meeting, party stakeholders urged the NEC to constitute a Caretaker Committee, noting that the tenure of the current National Working Committee (NWC) expires on Tuesday.
Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, supported the move, saying it aligns with the party’s constitution and is necessary to ensure stability and administrative continuity. He explained that ongoing efforts to install caretaker leadership in certain states and zones — including Anambra and the South-East, where congresses could not be held — were part of broader internal reforms.
Following deliberations, the NEC appointed a 13-member National Caretaker Committee chaired by Abdulrahman Mohammed, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Secretary. The committee is expected to run the party for 60 days, during which remaining congresses will be conducted and a national convention organised.
Other appointed officials include Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) as National Legal Adviser and Umar Bature as National Organising Secretary. Additional members of the caretaker committee are Dr. Kyari Grema, Janguda Mohammed, Okechukwu Osuana, Senator Nwogu Olaka, Senator Sandy Onor, Prof. Adenike Ogunse, Bisi Kolawole, Deji Doherty, and Dr. Ibrahim Aboki.
