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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has applauded the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which restrained the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting its proposed 2025 National Convention until all statutory requirements are met.
The ruling, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, temporarily suspended the PDP’s national convention pending full compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the PDP’s internal regulations.
Speaking shortly after the judgment during a consultative meeting with PDP leaders and stakeholders on restoring order within the party, Wike described the ruling as a landmark victory for democracy and a decisive blow against impunity.
He emphasized that the verdict reinforced the importance of due process, transparency, and respect for institutional frameworks within political organizations, stressing that “no political party can survive chaos built on disobedience to its constitution.”
“We are happy because this Judgement is a victory against impunity. However, it’s painful to see the PDP in this state of disorder. What we have fought for is not personal interest—it’s about preserving the integrity of the party,” Wike said.
The Minister noted that for any opposition party to effectively challenge the ruling government, it must first demonstrate discipline, accountability, and internal democracy. According to him, political organizations that disregard their constitutions cannot win the confidence of the electorate.
“The role of an opposition party is not to trade blame but to earn public trust by doing things differently. If we cannot follow due process internally, how can we convince Nigerians that we will govern better?” he asked.
Wike dismissed insinuations that the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), was responsible for the PDP’s internal challenges. He insisted that the crisis was self-inflicted, by greed, disregard for the founding members, and the imposition of candidates through undemocratic means.
“Let’s stop blaming the APC for our own mistakes. What is happening in the PDP is our doing—people sidelining others and zoning positions from their living rooms. It’s never been this bad. Some think money can buy loyalty, but some of us stand by the truth regardless of the inducement,” he declared.
Wike expressed deep appreciation to the three aggrieved PDP members who filed the lawsuit that led to the court’s decision, describing them as true defenders of justice and internal democracy.
“You have shown courage and commitment by standing for the truth. On behalf of all of us who believe in the rule of law, I thank you sincerely. Nobody should be intimidated for doing what is right,” he said.
The FCT Minister reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the PDP returns to its founding values of fairness, equity, and unity, adding that the party’s future depends on restoring trust and credibility among its members.
At the conclusion of the stakeholders’ meeting, a communique was read by former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, commending the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and saving the PDP from descending further into impunity.
The leaders noted that the judgement reaffirmed the supremacy of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, the INEC guidelines, and the PDP Constitution, thereby restoring legality and discipline within the party.
“We express our deep appreciation for this judicial intervention, which restores legality and confidence in the PDP as a law-abiding institution. The ruling is a courageous reaffirmation that justice will always prevail over impunity,” the communique stated.
According to the communique, the Federal High Court judgement clarified several major issues within the PDP’s leadership structure:
Chief Dan Orbih remains the authentic National Vice Chairman (South-South), while the purported appointment of Chief Emmanuel Ogidiwas declared null and void.
The expulsion of Ali Odefa was upheld, restoring discipline and affirming that expelled members lack legal standing to act or litigate on behalf of the party.
All official communications to INEC must be jointly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary, with the latter serving as the principal signatory.
No valid National Convention can hold until full compliance with all statutory provisions—including the PDP Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC guidelines—is achieved.
The PDP leaders emphasized that the legal challenge was not an act of sabotage but a patriotic effort to ensure transparency and enforce internal democracy within the party system.
The communique further stated that the ruling marked a turning point for the PDP, offering an opportunity to rebuild, reconcile, and advance collectively.
“As loyal and committed party leaders, we will abide by the court’s judgement in its entirety. Our doors remain open for reconciliation and collective rebuilding based on fairness, justice, equity, and inclusivity,” the statement concluded.
The stakeholders extended an open invitation to all genuine PDP members nationwide to recommit themselves to the party’s founding principles and work together in restoring credibility to the opposition.
Notable figures present at the meeting included former Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, Chief Dan Orbih, serving Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and several State Party Chairmen.
The meeting ended with renewed optimism among members who pledged to uphold truth, defend legality, and restore the PDP’s image as a truly democratic institution ready to serve Nigerians.
