Wike: Appeal Court Verdict on Ibadan Convention a Turning Point for PDP

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal  affirming the nullification of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan as an opportunity for the party to rebuild and restore unity among its members.

Wike spoke with journalists in Abuja on Monday, explaining that the court’s decision confirmed that the convention conducted by the PDP in November 2025 could not stand because the party failed to comply with the legal requirements governing such exercises.

According to him, the judgment underscores the importance of political parties adhering strictly to the rule of law.

“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 noted that the court found that some of the necessary procedures were not followed before the convention was held.

He explained that the ruling revealed that valid congresses were not conducted in some states and that proper notice was not given to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Wike emphasised that once such legal procedures are ignored, the issue ceases to be an internal party matter.

He described the judgment as a defining moment for the PDP, noting that it reinforces the importance of due process and respect for the rule of law.

“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 earlier warned that actions taken in violation of 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 divisions and work toward rebuilding unity within 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,” Wike said.

He stressed that the PDP must remain strong as a viable 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 said.

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.

According to him, the party has already set up a caretaker committee to manage its affairs pending the conduct of a fresh national convention.

He disclosed that the PDP is preparing to hold a new national convention on March 29 and 30, 2026, where new national officers will be elected in line with the party’s constitution and the law.

“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,” Wike said.

He added that the convention is expected to take place at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.