The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has welcomed the Court of Appeal judgment affirming the nullification of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan, describing the ruling as an opportunity for the party to rebuild and restore unity.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Wike said the court’s decision confirmed that the convention conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party in November 2025 could not stand because the party failed to comply with legal requirements governing such an exercise.
According to him, the judgment highlights the importance of strict adherence to the rule of law by political parties.
“When you do not comply with what the law says, it cannot stand. It does not matter who is chairman or who is not chairman. What matters is compliance with the law,” Wike said.
The minister explained that the court found that several procedures required before the convention were not followed. These included the failure to conduct valid congresses in some states and the absence of proper notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He noted that once such legal requirements are ignored, the matter ceases to be an internal party issue.
Describing the verdict as a defining moment for the party, Wike said it reinforces the need for due process and respect for democratic principles.
“Today is one of my happiest days because, as a party that claims to uphold democratic principles, we must not condone impunity. We must follow due process and allow the rule of law to prevail,” he said.
The FCT minister also recalled that he had previously warned that actions taken outside the law could eventually be overturned by the courts.
“You cannot rely on money or power and assume that because you are a governor or a powerful figure you can do anything. I thank God that the law has spoken,” he added.
Wike urged members of the PDP to see the judgment as an opportunity to move beyond internal conflicts and rebuild the party.
“For me, it is an opportunity for the party to come back together. We have fought enough. It is time to drop personal interests and see how we can move the party forward,” he said.
He stressed that the PDP must remain strong as an opposition party in the country.
“The PDP remains the only strong opposition party we have. What we should be doing now is to put our house in order so that the party can continue to play its role effectively,” he stated.
Wike further explained that with the court affirming the invalidity of the Ibadan convention, the leadership that emerged from the exercise can no longer be recognised.
He said the party has already established a National Caretaker Committee to manage its affairs pending the conduct of a fresh convention.
According to him, the new national convention has been scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026, where new national officers will be elected in accordance with the party’s constitution and relevant laws.
“We have already established the National Caretaker Committee. When the tenure of the National Working Committee expired, we said the law does not allow for a vacuum. The caretaker committee was recognised by the Federal High Court to run the party until new officers are elected,” he said.
Wike added that the convention is expected to hold at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
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