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By Oscar Okhifo
The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has praised the Court of Appeal’s ruling on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ibadan convention, describing it as a victory for the rule of law, and called on party members to set aside personal ambitions and work together to make the PDP the country’s leading opposition party.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Wike urged party members to prioritize reconciliation over further litigation, noting that the court’s dismissal of multiple appeals, along with substantial costs, underscores the importance of adhering to the Electoral Act, statutory regulations, and the PDP’s constitution.
He warned that violations of these provisions transform internal party matters into issues warranting judicial scrutiny, stressing that ignoring the law could harm the party.
With party primaries scheduled for April and May, Wike advised that appealing to the Supreme Court could damage the PDP’s chances and urged aggrieved members to view the judgment as an opportunity to unite.
“It is time to set aside ego and personal interest and focus on making PDP the leading opposition party,” he said.
The former governor of Rivers state, clarified that the court’s ruling effectively nullified the Ibadan convention, confirming that the tenure of the previous officers had expired.
He emphasized that the National Caretaker Committee is now the legitimate body managing party affairs, preventing a leadership vacuum.
Reiterating the importance of legal and party compliance, Wike highlighted that the dismissal of nine appeals, with costs totaling roughly ₦18 million, serves as a reminder against political impunity and underscores the consequences of disregarding statutory requirements.
There has been no official reaction from the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the party, and it remains to be seen whether they will appeal the court’s ruling or heed Wike’s call for reconciliation.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to seize this moment for unity, emphasizing that the party’s survival and strength depend on cooperation, adherence to the law, and prioritizing collective interests over individual ambitions.