The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the Supreme Court of Nigeria has brought an end to the factional crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party.
Wike stated this on Thursday during a press conference at his residence in Guzape, Abuja, where he said the apex court’s decision had resolved disputes over parallel leadership claims in the party.
He said the ruling confirmed that the PDP remained one united political platform, with no rival faction or competing leadership structure.
“Today, the Supreme Court has brought to an end the so-called factions of the PDP. There is no more faction in the party. There is only one PDP,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister dismissed claims that the judgment affirmed the suspension of the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, saying the issue was not before the court for determination.
According to him, the Supreme Court dismissed appeals challenging earlier decisions of lower courts and upheld the legitimacy of the party’s convention and current leadership.
He said attempts by some aggrieved members to invalidate the convention and establish alternative structures had failed at every level of the judicial process.
“The Supreme Court has validated our convention and set aside all claims to any parallel structure. What this means is that the PDP has come to stay as one united party,” he said.
Wike urged political actors to comply with party constitutions, electoral laws and due process, warning that no individual or group should act outside established rules.
“The fact that you are in a position does not mean you can act outside the law. There are rules guiding party activities, and those rules must be followed,” he added.
The minister also criticised some members who left the PDP during the crisis, describing them as politically insignificant. He, however, said those who defected because of uncertainty could still return now that the party’s legal position had been clarified.
“Those who left are not electoral assets; they are liabilities. However, those who left out of uncertainty may reconsider and return now that the situation is clear,” he said.
On coalition talks among opposition figures, Wike said he would not support alliances without clear national interest or constructive engagement.
“We do not believe in opposition for opposition’s sake. Our approach is constructive, not destructive,” he said.
He added that recent court decisions in political matters showed the importance of seeking legal redress through proper channels rather than undermining institutions.
Wike maintained that the PDP remained Nigeria’s leading opposition party and was prepared to provide a credible alternative in the country’s democratic process.
“The PDP is stable, united and ready to play its role effectively. What has happened today is a victory for the rule of law and internal democracy,” he said.
