Wike Urges Makinde’s Faction to Set Aside Pride Following Appeal Court Ruling on PDP Crisis

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has appealed to discontented members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to put aside their differences, embrace humility, and choose peace over continued legal disputes.

Wike, during an interview with journalists in Abuja, described Monday’s Court of Appeal judgment regarding the PDP Ibadan convention as a victory for the rule of law.

The Minister emphasised that the court’s decision to dismiss several appeals with high costs underscores the necessity of adhering to statutory provisions, the Electoral Act, and the party’s own constitution.

The Minister warned that dragging the case to the Supreme Court would be self-destructive for the party, urging the aggrieved members to set aside their personal interests and chart the way forward to ensure PDP becomes the major opposition party.

Wike further cautioned that further legal delays could jeopardise the party’s standing ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.

He said, “For me, it is an opportunity for everybody today to come back and see how we can salvage the party.

“Leave your ego. Leave your personal interest. Come back. Let’s sit down. Now we are here, can we see how we can forge ahead?

“By the time you go to the Supreme Court, you are merely causing harm to your party, which you say you love… it is time now to say we have fought, let us drop our personal interest and make sure that PDP becomes the Number 1 opposition party.”

Wike maintained that the Appeal Court ruling effectively nullified the Ibadan convention, confirming that the tenure of the previous officers had expired.

He noted that the party’s National Caretaker Committee is the legally recognised body currently managing its affairs to prevent a vacuum.

He stressed, “It is very clear that there was no convention (in Ibadan) and the tenure of the officers then had expired, and you cannot allow a vacuum. The Court of Appeal said today that it is clear that the convention does not stand. So, the caretaker committee is what it is now.”

The minister also confirmed that preparation is ongoing for a fresh National Convention scheduled for March 29 and 30 in Abuja, adding that the venue clash with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at Eagle Square has led the PDP to secure an alternative location.

He added, “The national caretaker committee has gotten approval to use the Velodrome for their National Convention from 29 to 30th March.

“Remember, we would have used Eagle Square, but because APC will be having their National Convention on the 28th & 29th, it will be difficult for PDP to keep the place ready. So they had to choose an alternative venue, which is the Velodrome near the National Stadium.”