Wike Hails Appeal Court Verdict on PDP Convention, Urges Party Unity

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has welcomed the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the disputed convention of the Peoples Democratic Party held in Ibadan, describing the decision as a triumph for the rule of law.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Wike said the dismissal of multiple appeals by the court, along with the costs imposed, highlighted the importance of complying with the Electoral Act, relevant statutes and the party’s constitution.

According to him, once such provisions are breached, the matter can no longer be regarded as a purely internal party issue, making judicial intervention inevitable.

The minister urged members of the party to put aside personal interests and avoid prolonging the dispute through further litigation, warning that taking the case to the Supreme Court of Nigeria could harm the party’s prospects, especially with political primaries approaching in the coming months.

Wike said the ruling effectively invalidated the Ibadan convention and confirmed that the tenure of the party officials elected earlier had expired. He noted that the party’s National Caretaker Committee is currently overseeing its affairs to prevent a leadership vacuum.

He also disclosed that preparations are underway for a new national convention scheduled to hold in Abuja on March 29 and 30.

The event was initially planned for Eagle Square but was moved to the Velodrome near the National Stadium due to a scheduling conflict with the convention of the All Progressives Congress.