Wike Applauds Court Ruling Halting PDP Convention

By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned 2025 National Convention until it complies with all statutory requirements.

Speaking on Friday after a meeting of PDP leaders and stakeholders in Abuja, Wike described the verdict by Justice James Omotosho as a “decisive blow against impunity” within the party.

He said the ruling reinforces the importance of due process and respect for the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

“We are happy that we have fought impunity, but we are not happy with what is going on,” Wike said. “It’s unfortunate that the so-called National Convention cannot hold. It has never been this bad in the PDP.”

Wike stressed that an effective opposition must uphold integrity and internal democracy to earn public confidence and challenge the ruling party successfully.

“No opposition party carries on with impunity. We must follow due process to assure Nigerians that we can do things differently,” he added.

The minister absolved the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of blame for PDP’s crisis, insisting the party’s woes are self-inflicted and driven by selfish interests. He commended members who challenged the party’s actions in court, describing them as “brave defenders of justice.”

In a communiqué read by former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the stakeholders hailed the court’s decision as a victory for legality and internal democracy.

The leaders noted that the judgment:

Affirmed Chief Dan Orbih as the authentic National Vice Chairman (South-South).
Declared the appointment of Chief Emmanuel Ogidi null and void.
Upheld the expulsion of Ali Odefa to restore party discipline.

Reaffirmed that all correspondences to INEC must be jointly signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary.

Prohibited any PDP convention until full compliance with constitutional and electoral guidelines.

The stakeholders said the court’s decision was a “patriotic effort” to ensure INEC enforces internal democracy across parties.

“This judgment restores order, legality, and confidence in the PDP as a law-abiding institution,” the communiqué stated.

Party leaders at the meeting included former governors Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu, PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, Dan Orbih, serving lawmakers, and state party chairmen.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fairness, justice, and inclusivity, urging all members to unite for the party’s rebuilding.