We’ll resist impunity, uphold justice in PDP – Wike
Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has vowed to resist what he described as impunity within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike, who welcomed the court decision halting the party’s planned national convention, said neither he nor his supporters would allow themselves to be used as bargaining tools in the party’s internal crisis.
Speaking in Abuja while addressing Concerned PDP Stakeholders before a closed-door meeting at his Lifecamp residence, Wike described the ruling as a victory for justice and due process.
Those at the meeting included Senator Sam Anyanwu, PDP National Secretary; Samuel Ortom, former Benue State governor; Okezie Ikpeazu, former Abia State governor; Senator Philip Aduda; Hon. Micah Jiba; members of the Board of Trustees; and Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, among others. Several senators and House of Representatives members from the South-East, South-South, and North-Central zones were also present.
Wike accused some party leaders of trying to take over the PDP’s leadership through disregard for due process.
“Let me be clear,” he said. “Nobody will use us to negotiate for anything. We have sacrificed for this party and will not allow anyone to trade us off for personal benefit.”
He said he felt both satisfaction and concern over recent developments in the party.
“I am happy that justice has prevailed,” he noted. “But it is painful to see the party being weakened from within. Those of us speaking out are not doing it for ourselves but to restore fairness, respect for the law, and discipline.”
Wike faulted some PDP leaders for showing arrogance and ignoring the contributions of others who had stood by the party during difficult times.
“Leadership is not arrogance,” he said. “When people act as if others don’t matter, they destroy the same house they helped build. We stood firm during tougher times and will do so again.”
He also dismissed claims that money could fix the party’s problems.
“Some believe money can solve everything. It can’t. There are still people who cannot be bought. We will continue to stand for what is right,” he said.
Wike commended members who challenged the planned convention in court, praising their courage despite threats and pressure.
“Many would have backed down after being threatened, but they stood their ground. They said no to injustice, and I commend them,” he said.
The minister accused some party officials of violating the PDP constitution by zoning positions illegally and manipulating congresses.
“A few people now sit in their homes to decide who gets what and even keep the funds meant for the process. It has never been this bad,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to the unity of the PDP, Wike urged governors to use available resources to develop their states and strengthen the party rather than undermine it.
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“State revenues are higher now than ever. Those funds should go into infrastructure and job creation, not into weakening the PDP. We will not accept that,” he said.
He added that his group remained open to dialogue but would not give in to blackmail.
“We are open to peace, but not at the expense of justice. We will continue to stand for truth and fairness until the PDP returns to its core values,” Wike concluded.
The meeting, attended by stakeholders from across the six geopolitical zones, continued behind closed doors, with a communiqué expected at the end of the deliberations.
