Wike Hails Court Ruling Halting PDP National Convention, Says Impunity Must End
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended the judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja which halted the planned 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as a victory against impunity within the party.
Justice James Omotosho had on Friday restrained the PDP from proceeding with its national convention until it complies with statutory requirements outlined in the party’s constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act.
The court gave the order while ruling on a suit filed by three aggrieved members of the party, who alleged that the planned convention breached due process and internal regulations. Justice Omotosho also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or accepting any report from a PDP convention held without following proper legal and procedural guidelines.
Reacting to the ruling, Wike expressed mixed feelings, noting that while he was delighted that the court had upheld the rule of law and curbed internal impunity, he was equally saddened by the crisis plaguing the opposition party.
“I am filled with different emotions,” Wike said. “It is one of the happiest days of my life because the court has brought down the impunity that has eaten deep into the PDP. But it is also a sad day because the party I once worked so hard to build is now in disarray.”
The former Rivers State governor reiterated that adherence to internal democracy and respect for due process are essential for the PDP’s survival and relevance in Nigeria’s political space. He urged party leaders to take the judgement as a wake-up call to rebuild the party on the foundations of justice, fairness, and accountability.
Wike has been one of the most vocal critics of the PDP leadership, often accusing the party of sidelining key members and violating its own constitution in decision-making.
The latest ruling marks another twist in the internal crisis rocking the PDP ahead of its planned national convention, which was expected to produce a new set of national executives.
