Wike rejects PDP’s appeal to Supreme Court, says Convention will stand

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has rejected plans by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki to challenge a recent Court of Appeal ruling in the Supreme Court

Wike described the proposed appeal as meritless, insisting that it would not disrupt preparations for the party’s upcoming national convention.

He spoke after inspecting the velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the venue for the PDP convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.

Earlier, the Turaki-led National Executive Committee (NEC) had endorsed the party’s National Working Committee (NWC)’s decision to proceed with the appeal.

Reacting to the development, Wike maintained that internal disagreements are normal within political organizations and should not derail the party’s activities.

He stressed that the PDP will move forward with its convention while continuing efforts to address grievances among members.

According to him, unity within the party remains a priority, with the leadership committed to engaging dissatisfied members and finding common ground.

Wike expressed confidence in the prospects of the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the party will demonstrate its political strength.

He also confirmed that parties’ positions have already been shared across geopolitical zones to ensure balance and inclusiveness.

The minister explained that the presidency has been zoned to the South, while the national presidency position is allocated to the North, describing the agreement as a consensus approach.

He added that the zoning structure should streamline the convention process and promote unity, moving away from past practices that sometimes reflected internal divisions.

As for preparations, Wike said arrangements for the convention are almost complete, with logistics and seating arrangements already finalized.

He noted that the venue is largely ready to host delegates, including areas designated for state representatives and VIP guests.

The inspection tour was attended by key stakeholders of the PDP, including Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Mohammed Abdulrahman, Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee.

Other party leaders in attendance included Senator Samuel Anyanwu, members of the interim committee and prominent PDP figures from across the country.