PDP Crisis: Wike Affirms Caretaker Committee as Sole Lawful Authority

Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has weighed in on the leadership crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that only a court-recognised caretaker committee has the legal authority to run the party’s affairs.

Speaking during a media parley on Wednesday transmitted live on national television network and monitored by Persecondnews, Wike dismissed claims by rival factions seeking to assume control of the party, describing such moves as unlawful and misleading.

He argued that court rulings had already settled the matter, maintaining that any group attempting to operate outside the recognised structure was acting in defiance of the law.

According to him, a Federal High Court judgment affirmed the caretaker committee as the legitimate body to oversee the party pending the conduct of a valid national convention.

Wike said the court decision followed disputes over a previous convention, which he noted had been set aside for failing to comply with earlier judicial orders.

He added that subsequent appeals by aggrieved parties did not invalidate the subsisting judgment, stressing that no stay of execution had been granted.

The minister criticised attempts by opposing factions to establish parallel structures, including plans to open offices or conduct party activities, warning that such actions could amount to fraud.

He questioned the legality of any group collecting money or selling party forms without proper authorisation, noting that only a recognised leadership could operate official accounts and structures.

Wike further maintained that the, Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) is bound to deal only with the court-backed leadership.

On the broader crisis, he dismissed suggestions that the party had become non-functional or “dead”, insisting that its recognised political party are still active and participating in political processes.

Calling out “deceptive” actors within the ranks, the Minister insisted that party disputes must be settled through the courts rather than through manipulation.

He noted that moving outside of legal boundaries only worsens the current instability.

The party remains locked in a bitter leadership crisis.

Persecondnews reports that the ongoing friction has sparked multiple litigations as various groups vie for supremacy and control of the party’s leadership structure.