We Won’t Allow Newcomers to Destroy PDP, Wike Says as NEC Forms Caretaker Committee
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has affirmed that founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow newcomers from other parties to undermine the party’s legacy.
Wike made the statement on Sunday during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the PDP, held at his official residence in Abuja.
He criticized the Tanimu Turaki-led faction for allegedly disregarding court rulings by holding what he described as an “illegal convention,” emphasizing that respecting judicial processes is essential to restoring public confidence in the party.
Wike accused the faction of ignoring two Federal High Court judgments while proceeding with their own convention and later approaching a State High Court for recognition.
“You went to a State High Court to sue the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking that the convention must take place. You obtained an ex parte order to override Federal High Court judgments. How do you disobey two final rulings and still claim leadership?” he asked.
He added that the same group later sought validation from a Federal High Court after failing to comply with lawful 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 questioned.
Wike warned that such actions could threaten the party’s future, stressing that leadership requires commitment and honesty, not selfish interests.
“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, calling on party members to support lawful leadership and work together to rebuild the PDP based on democratic principles and judicial integrity.
At the meeting, participants urged the NEC to establish a Caretaker Committee ahead of the expiration of the current National Working Committee (NWC) tenure on Tuesday.
Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), said the move aligns with the party constitution to ensure continuity, unity, and stability. He added that caretaker leadership is also being implemented in states and zones, including Anambra and the South-East, to address gaps where congresses were not previously held.
The NEC subsequently constituted a 13-member National Caretaker Committee, headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed as Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Secretary, to manage party affairs until a national convention is conducted. Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) was appointed National Legal Adviser, and Umar Bature became National Organising Secretary.
Other members of the caretaker committee include Dr Kyari Grema, Janguda Mohammed, Okechukwu Osuana, Senator Nwogu Olaka, Senator Sandy Onor, Prof. Adenike Ogunse, Bisi Kolawole, Deji Doherty, and Dr Ibrahim Aboki.
The committee has been given a 60-day mandate to oversee the party, conduct all pending congresses, and organize a national convention.
(NAN)
