Wike warns against attempts to hijack PDP, accuses faction of flouting court orders

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed that he and other founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow individuals who recently defected from other political parties to destabilise the PDP.

Speaking during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Sunday at his official residence in Abuja, Wike condemned a faction of the party for what he described as blatant disregard for court judgments.

He said the group acted in contempt of two valid Federal High Court rulings by conducting an “illegal convention.”

According to him, the faction not only ignored subsisting judicial decisions but also sought an ex-parte order from a State High Court in an attempt to legitimise their actions.

“How do you disobey two final judgments and still claim leadership?” Wike queried.

He added that the same individuals later approached another court for validation despite already holding a convention that contravened court directives.

“If INEC already recognizes you, what exactly are you going to court for?” he asked, stressing that such conduct could endanger the future of the PDP.

The former Rivers governor warned that the party’s survival depends on strict adherence to internal rules and judicial processes.

“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 stated.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, urged the NEC to immediately set up a Caretaker Committee as the tenure of the current National Working Committee (NWC) expires on Monday.

Ohuabunwa explained that the move aligns with the PDP constitution and is necessary to ensure stability, administrative continuity, and unity.

He also noted ongoing efforts to establish caretaker bodies in states and zones — including Anambra and the South-East — where congresses were previously stalled.

According to him, these measures will help consolidate internal reforms, restore members’ confidence, and reinforce compliance with the rule of law across the party’s structures.