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ABUJA – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Friday hailed the court judgment that nullified the planned PDP National Convention, describing it as “a wise and courageous decision” that reaffirmed the supremacy of the rule of law over impunity within the party.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja shortly after the ruling, Wike said the judgment marked a turning point in the struggle to restore justice, discipline, and internal democracy to the opposition party.
“Today, by the grace of God, the court has made a very wise decision, a very good decision. It cannot be business as usual. Those who have deceived members of our great party for too long must now understand that there are laws to follow,” Wike declared.
The minister commended PDP loyalists who stood firm despite intimidation and threats, emphasizing that their courage made the legal victory possible.
“Some of us have seen people, the moment they threaten you, the moment they send you texts on social media about how they will kill you, you change. But you stood firm to say no, we will not allow this injustice. On behalf of all of us here, I want to sincerely thank you,” he said.
While applauding the court’s decision, Wike cautioned that the battle for justice in the PDP was far from over, insisting that no individual or group would be allowed to use loyal members as bargaining chips in internal negotiations.
“Nobody will use us to negotiate for anything. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody will use us to negotiate. No. We are part of this stage, and we cannot allow that,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
The FCT Minister lamented that arrogance and disregard for due process had brought the PDP to its current state, warning that leadership without respect for the law would destroy the party’s credibility as a true opposition platform.
“Leadership is very key in everything you are doing. When people become arrogant to say that nobody matters, when they fail to recognize those who have sustained this party, then such leadership does not mean well for the PDP,” he stated.
Wike, who expressed both pride and disappointment over the day’s developments, said he was “happy that we have fought impunity,” but also “sad that our party is going down due to poor leadership choices.”
He reminded party stakeholders that opposition politics thrives on unity, transparency, and fairness, not impunity.
“There’s no opposition party in the world that survives on arrogance and lawlessness. The essence of opposition is to wrestle power from the ruling party, but you can’t do that if you disregard your own rules,” he said.
Wike reaffirmed his commitment and that of his allies to remain within the PDP to ensure that justice prevails.
“We are not leaving this party. We will be inside and fight for justice to prevail. Many thought money would buy everything, but some of us can never be bought,” he said.
The minister urged governors and other leaders to use their current resources to strengthen the party and serve the people rather than “kill the PDP from within.”
“The money available in states now was never available before. I expect them to use the money to provide infrastructure and reduce unemployment, not to destroy the party,” he added.
Wike concluded the meeting with optimism that the court’s judgment would serve as a foundation for rebuilding trust and order within the PDP.
“We are still open to discussion and reconciliation, but no one should think they can blackmail us into submission. We will continue to stand for what is right,” he said.
