Wike Says He Won’t Allow Those Accepted Into PDP Destroy Party

By Akinwale Kasali

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has stated that the Party will continue to wax stronger, as he and the founding Fathers will not allow the Party to be destroyed by those who joined the PDP fold from other political parties.

The former Rivers State Governor made this remarks during the 104th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the Party held at the Minister’s official residence in Abuja.

Berating the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Party for violating court judgements by conducting what he described as an “illegal convention”, Wike insisted that the party must respect judicial processes if it hopes to regain public confidence.

He further accused the faction of disregarding two substantive judgements of the Federal High Court, which he said had ruled on the matter, yet they proceeded to hold their own convention and later approached a State High Court to seek recognition.

“You went to a State High Court to sue the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), asking that the convention must take place.

“You got an ex parte order to override judgements of the Federal High Court. How do you disobey two final judgements and still claim leadership?” he asked.

Wike added that that the same group returned to another court, seeking validation 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 asked.

He warned that such actions could jeopardise the future of the party, stressing that leaders must not allow selfish interests to destroy the political platform that has existed since 1998.

“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?” Wike asked.

He called on the party faithful to support lawful leadership and unite to rebuild the PDP in line with democratic principles and judicial integrity. He finally added: “Nobody can expel me from the PDP.”

Recall that Wike, along with some other Party members, were expelled at the Ibadan, Oyo State, National Convention held on November 18 by the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP, and their certificates of expulsion signed and forwarded to them by courier service.