By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a strong criticism of factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing some leaders of acting outside the law in the party’s ongoing leadership dispute.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, Wike faulted moves by groups linked to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and former minister, Taminu Turaki, describing their actions as illegal and misleading.
He rejected claims of an interim leadership arrangement within the party, insisting that only structures backed by valid court rulings can legitimately manage party affairs.
“You cannot disobey court judgments and then present a structure as legitimate. That is not how democracy works,” Wike said.
The minister warned against the creation of parallel leadership structures, stressing that such moves undermine the rule of law and internal party discipline.
“You don’t create a leadership structure outside due process and expect it to stand. The law is clear on who should run the party pending a lawful convention,” he added.
Wike maintained that recent judicial pronouncements had already clarified the leadership question within the PDP, cautioning that any attempt to sidestep those decisions amounts to illegality.
He also expressed concern over what he described as declining respect for legal and institutional frameworks among political actors, including some senior figures expected to uphold the law.
“Those who should defend the system are the ones weakening it. That is the real concern,” he said.
The remarks come amid continued tensions within the PDP, as rival camps jostle for control ahead of future political activities.
