The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has hailed the Federal High Court ruling that stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned national convention on November 15 and 16, 2025, describing the decision as “very wise and timely.”
Wike gave the commendation during a meeting with Concerned PDP Stakeholders at his official residence in Abuja on Friday.
“Today, by the grace of God, the court has made a very wise decision. It cannot be business as usual. Those who have deceived members of our great party for too long must now understand that there are laws to follow,” he said.
The minister lamented that the party’s failure to abide by due process had led to the suspension of the convention, adding that “it’s unfortunate, but the law must take its course.”
A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, had earlier restrained the PDP from proceeding with its national convention in Ibadan. The court ruled that the party failed to conduct valid congresses across the states before planning the convention, a violation of both the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act of 2022.
Wike blamed the PDP leadership and the PDP Governors’ Forum for the situation, accusing them of arrogance, impunity, and a disregard for internal democracy.
“Leadership is key in everything. When people become arrogant and fail to recognise those who have sustained the party, that leadership means no good for the PDP,” he said.
He described the court ruling as bittersweet, saying, “On one hand, it’s one of my happiest days because impunity has been checked. On the other, it’s sad because if you love your party, you can’t be happy seeing it in this state.”
Wike stressed that opposition parties must set the right example by following due process, saying it was the only way to earn public trust and effectively challenge the ruling party.
“The essence of opposition is to wrest power from the ruling party, but to do that, you must put your house in order. The PDP needs discipline and respect for its own rules,” he said.
The meeting was attended by key party figures, including PDP National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former FCT Senator Philip Aduda, and Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
After his remarks, Wike proceeded into a closed-door session with the stakeholders to discuss the party’s next steps following the court’s decision.
