Wike calls for party cohesion following Appeals Court victory

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has hailed the Court of Appeal judgment on the Peoples Democratic Party's Ibadan convention as a triumph for the rule of law, urging party members to set aside their personal interests and prioritize reconciliation.

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Wike made this statement on Monday afternoon in Abuja, emphasizing that the court's decision to dismiss several appeals with substantial costs highlights the importance of adhering to statutory provisions, the Electoral Act, and the party's constitution.

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The Minister argued that violating these laws transforms an internal party matter into a justiciable issue, warranting judicial intervention, and cautioned that further litigation could have far-reaching consequences for the party.

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With party primaries looming in April and May, Wike warned that pursuing the case to the Supreme Court would be counterproductive, and instead encouraged aggrieved members to view the judgment as an opportunity to move forward.

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He asked party members to put aside their "egos" and personal interests, seeking a path forward for the party, and cautioned that further delays could jeopardize the party's standing ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.

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Wike stated that pursuing the case to the Supreme Court would ultimately harm the party, and urged members to drop their personal interests and work towards making the PDP the number one opposition party.

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The Minister clarified that the ruling effectively nullified the Ibadan convention, confirming that the tenure of the previous officers had expired, and noted that the party's National Caretaker Committee is currently managing its affairs to prevent a vacuum.

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According to Wike, the court's decision made it clear that the Ibadan convention did not stand, and the caretaker committee is now the legally recognized body managing the party's affairs.

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Preparations are underway for a fresh National Convention, scheduled to take place on March 29 and 30 in Abuja, with the party securing an alternative location, the Velodrome, due to a venue clash with the All Progressives Congress.

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The Velodrome, located near the National Stadium, will host the PDP's National Convention, as the party was unable to use Eagle Square due to the APC's convention on March 28 and 29.

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Wike reiterated the importance of "compliance with the laws", noting that the dismissal of nine appeals with costs, totaling approximately ₦18 million, serves as a lesson in the consequences of political impunity.