The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal on the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ibadan as a wake-up call for members of the party to reassess the situation and work towards resolving the internal crisis.
Wike made the remark on Monday at his residence in Abuja shortly after visiting Kwali Area Council as part of his ongoing thank-you tour.
According to the minister, anyone who truly cares about the future of the party should avoid taking the matter to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, warning that such a move would only prolong the crisis within the party.
“We Have Fought, Let Us Now Drop Personal Interest,” Wike said.
“If you are a lover of the party, you will not go to the Supreme Court. But if that is what they want, we are always ready.”
Speaking on preparations for the party’s convention, Wike maintained that the dates earlier announced by the caretaker committee remain unchanged.
He confirmed that the convention is still scheduled to take place on March 29 and 30, with arrangements already underway.
The FCT minister also revealed that approval has been obtained from the National Sports Commissionto host the convention at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
“We have gotten the approval of the National Sports Commission to conduct the convention at the Velodrome. We have started preparing for it, and it will hold by the grace of God,” he added.
Earlier on Monday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed an appeal filed by the PDP challenging the October 31 judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.
The judgment had restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the national convention planned by the party in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.
In a unanimous ruling, a three-member panel of the appellate court resolved all four issues raised in the appeal against the PDP.
The court ruled that the appeal lacked merit and affirmed that the Federal High Court was correct in delivering the October 31 judgment and granting the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.
It also rejected the PDP’s argument that the trial court lacked jurisdiction, stating that the issues involved were not solely internal party affairs.
Furthermore, the court held that the plaintiffs had the locus standi to institute the suit to protect their democratic rights and that the PDP was not denied a fair hearing as claimed.
The appellate court also ordered the PDP faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki to pay N2 million as costs for filing what it described as a frivolous appeal. The court indicated that it would proceed to hear other judgments and rulings involving the party.
What you should know
The ruling by the Court of Appeal adds another dimension to the ongoing leadership and convention disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party.
Internal disagreements over the conduct and recognition of party conventions have led to multiple legal battles in recent months. Nyesom Wike’s call for party members to avoid approaching the Supreme Court reflects concerns that prolonged litigation could deepen divisions within the PDP.
With the party planning another convention in Abuja, the outcome of these disputes could significantly influence the PDP’s organisational stability and preparations for future political contests.