Wike Labels PDP’s Turaki-Led Appeal to Supreme Court as Unfounded

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has rejected the intentions of the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to appeal the Court of Appeal verdict regarding the party's leadership before the Supreme Court.

Wike expressed these views on Friday evening following an inspection of the Valodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, the designated venue for the PDP National Convention happening on March 29 and 30.

According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the National Executive Committee (NEC) led by Turaki agreed on Friday to back the National Working Committee's (NWC) decision to file an appeal against the appellate court's decision.

In response, Wike called the appeal “unfounded”, emphasizing that it would not impact the imminent national convention of the party.

He reassured that the convention will proceed as scheduled, while efforts to address internal conflicts will continue afterward.

“I have always indicated that every group will have its grievances. No one can expect complete satisfaction within a family of two or three, much less a political party representing millions of individuals.

“There will inevitably be individuals who are discontented. We are prepared to engage with them, consider their worries, and explore ways to accommodate their viewpoints. The paramount concern is the collective welfare of the party,” he noted.

Wike remarked that the PDP is poised to surprise Nigerians by demonstrating its strength in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

“The PDP is an expansive party. Think of the umbrella; it can shelter everyone,” he stated.

Regarding the zoning protocols, Wike confirmed that positions have been designated across various regions, stating, “We have already established the zoning of our positions. The presidency is designated for the South, while the chairmanship is allocated to the North.

“We have faith that this consensus approach will simplify the process.

“For the first time, the PDP is presenting a singular, unified front, as opposed to the frequent ‘unity list’ that typically exhibits internal rifts,” he explained.

He clarified that the visit to the stadium was to finalize preparations for the convention, which is approximately 95% complete, saying, “Seating arrangements for all states have been finalized, and the VIP area is ready.”

The minister was accompanied by notable individuals, including Okezie Ikpeazu, the Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee; Mao Ohuabunwa, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees; and Mohammed Abdulrahman, the Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC). Also present were Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary, along with other NCWC members, Ferdinand Alabraba, Chairman of the Rivers Elders’ Council, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche.

(NAN)