‘The Law Has Spoken’ — Wike comments on PDP Appeal Court decision

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described the Court of Appeal judgment on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention as a wake-up call for members of the party to reflect and work towards resolving the internal crisis.

Speaking at his Abuja residence on Monday after visiting the Kwali Area Council as part of his thank-you tour, Wike urged party members not to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court, warning that doing so would only prolong the party’s internal disputes.

“We have fought; let us now drop personal interest,” the minister said.

“If you are a lover of the party, you will not go to the Supreme Court. But if that is what they want, we are always ready.”

Wike also reiterated that the dates earlier announced for the party’s convention by the caretaker committee — March 29 and 30 — remain unchanged, with preparations already underway.

According to him, approval has been secured from the National Sports Commission to hold the convention at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

“We have gotten the approval of the National Sports Commission to conduct the convention at the Velodrome. We have started preparing for it, and it will hold by the grace of God,” he said.

The minister’s remarks come after the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed an appeal by the PDP against the October 31 judgment of the Federal High Court, which restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the party’s national convention planned for Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a unanimous ruling, the three-member panel held that the appeal lacked merit and affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court.

The appellate court also ruled that the trial court had jurisdiction to hear the case and that the plaintiffs had the legal standing to challenge the convention.

Additionally, the court awarded N2 million in costs against the PDP (Turaki group) for filing what it described as a frivolous appeal.