The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has hailed the recent court judgment halting the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) planned national convention, describing it as a major step toward ending impunity within the party.
On Friday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled to stop the 2025 PDP National Convention until the party fully complies with its statutory requirements, the Constitution, and the Electoral Act. The judgment followed a suit filed by three aggrieved members of the party.
In his verdict, Justice Omotosho also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or recognizing any report from the PDP’s convention unless it strictly follows due process, including adherence to INEC’s guidelines and regulations.
Reacting to the development, Wike expressed mixed emotions, noting that while the ruling represented a victory for justice, it also highlighted the troubling state of affairs within the party. “We are happy that we have fought impunity while on another part we are not happy with what is going on in the party,” Wike said while addressing PDP stakeholders from 12 states and the FCT.
He lamented that the party had never faced such internal disarray, saying, “It’s unfortunate that the so-called purported national convention cannot hold, it has never been bad like this in the Peoples Democratic Party.”
The meeting had in attendance several notable figures, including former governors Samuel Ortom of Benue and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, as well as serving and former federal lawmakers, Rivers State legislators led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and several PDP state chairmen.
Wike emphasized the importance of humility and inclusiveness in leadership, warning that arrogance and disregard for the sacrifices of dedicated party members would only lead to division and crisis. “Opposition party is supposed to put heads together and follow due process but if you are not doing that then you are sending a wrong message,” he added.
The FCT Minister urged party members to continue standing for truth and justice, reiterating that the court’s decision was a validation of their determination to uphold the PDP’s constitution. “The last time we met we said we are going to challenge any action that contravenes provision of the party, and today by the grace of God, the court has allowed justice to prevail,” he said.
He further advised governors within the party to prioritize the welfare of their citizens rather than using public resources to fuel internal crises. “Nobody will be intimidated; we will do what is right. What I expect the governors to do now is to use monies in the state to impact lives of citizens and not to use it to kill our party,” Wike stated.
What You Should Know
The Federal High Court’s decision to stop the PDP’s 2025 National Convention has stirred mixed reactions within the party.
Nyesom Wike praised the judgment as a victory for justice and a blow to impunity but lamented the party’s worsening internal crisis. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the PDP must meet all constitutional and legal conditions before holding its convention.
Wike’s comments reflect growing dissatisfaction among key stakeholders, signaling deepening divisions that could shape the future direction of the opposition party.
