The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a direct challenge to a rival faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), demanding they prove their legitimacy by opening an official party bank account and establishing a recognized secretariat. Speaking during a live media engagement in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike accused the opposing group of misleading Nigerians and disregarding court rulings that have already settled the party’s leadership dispute. He emphasized that genuine leadership must be backed by tangible, legal actions, not just political declarations.
Wike called out specific figures, including Taminu Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urging them to take concrete steps to validate their claim. “Let Turaki, as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, open an account for the PDP. Let them announce it publicly for members who want to contest elections. That day, you will see what will happen,” he stated. He argued that no financial institution would accept such an account without the proper party documentation and legally recognized leadership, which the rival faction currently lacks.
He further explained that opening an official party account requires authentic legal instruments and recognition from the appropriate authorities. “That bank will be in trouble because to open such an account, you must provide the party’s authentic documents and recognised leadership. Who has those documents?” Wike questioned. His remarks underscore the importance of legal compliance in party governance and highlight the lack of legitimacy in the rival group’s actions.
The FCT Minister also warned against the establishment of unauthorized party offices in Abuja, vowing to take decisive action to maintain peace and order. “If anybody goes ahead to open an illegal office in the name of the PDP in Abuja, I will seal it. I will not allow any breach of peace because my duty is to maintain law and order in the Federal Capital Territory,” he declared. This stance reflects his commitment to enforcing the rule of law within the nation’s capital.
Wike reiterated that court judgments have already resolved the leadership crisis and criticized those attempting to reinterpret or ignore these rulings for political gain. “People should stop deceiving Nigerians. The judgments are clear. You cannot ignore court decisions and begin to create parallel structures,” he said. He dismissed claims that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the rival faction, insisting that available legal decisions support the current, recognized leadership of the PDP.
He stressed that his actions are not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to uphold constitutional order within the party. Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, stating that he remains a committed member dedicated to preserving the party’s integrity. As the political landscape continues to evolve, his challenge sets a precedent for accountability and transparency in Nigerian party politics.
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