The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a firm warning against attempts to use him as a bargaining tool in the ongoing power tussle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its national convention slated for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking at a meeting with his loyalists and PDP stakeholders, Wike emphasized his resolve not to be manipulated or compromised in the internal affairs of the party. He fiercely defended the recent court ruling that halted the convention over procedural irregularities, calling it a victory against impunity and a step toward restoring constitutional order in the party.
Wike acknowledged mixed feelings about the situation while the court decision marked a positive milestone in battling lawlessness within PDP, he expressed sadness about the severe divisions and unsettled nature of the party. He vowed that his faction would not allow itself to be used or sidelined, reiterating readiness to mobilize his loyalists to protect the party’s democratic processes.
The court ruling, which restrains INEC from recognizing any convention outcome not in compliance with the law, has deepened fractures within PDP. The party’s national leadership, including Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, faces challenges in reconciling differing factions as the legal and political battles continue.
Observers say Wike’s stance signals a hardening of positions among PDP leaders, complicating efforts to unify the party ahead of the critical 2027 general elections. The unfolding drama highlights the fragility of internal democracy within one of Nigeria’s major political parties.