PDP Denounces Wike-Led Convention as 'Jamboree' and Contempt of Court
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong condemnation of a national convention held on Sunday by a faction of the party led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The PDP described the event as a pre-Easter jamboree and an act in contempt of court, asserting that it undermines ongoing legal processes aimed at resolving the party's internal crisis.
Legal Challenges and Court Proceedings
In a statement released on Monday, the PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, emphasized that factions of the party had previously agreed with the Court of Appeal on a procedural framework to address the crisis. However, the PDP accused the Wike-led faction of backtracking and engaging in actions that could sabotage this resolution. The party noted that all involved parties have been served with appeal processes at the Supreme Court, along with other lawsuits challenging the legitimacy of the convention.
The validity of that gathering is now a matter before the court, which we will diligently follow to its conclusion, the PDP stated, highlighting its commitment to pursuing legal avenues to contest the convention's legality.
Judgment from Federal High Court and PDP's Response
Adding to the legal turmoil, the PDP reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Abdulmalik, delivered a judgment earlier in the day in favor of the Wike-backed faction. This judgment granted them access to the PDP secretariat and directed security agencies to provide protection during their occupation. The PDP had previously sought Justice Abdulmalik's recusal due to alleged bias, and in response to the ruling, the party has instructed its lawyers to immediately file an appeal and other relevant applications to challenge the decision.
Accusations Against the APC Government
The PDP did not mince words in attributing the ongoing crises to the Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government. The party accused the APC of orchestrating these events out of a morbid fear of alternative political platforms, alleging a deliberate attempt to impose a one-party state on Nigeria. According to the PDP, this fear is driven by the APC's awareness of impending public rejection due to poor performance in key governance areas such as security, the economy, and social welfare.
These are very trying times for us, the PDP, and all opposition parties in Nigeria, the statement admitted, while urging members and Nigerians to remain hopeful that the Supreme Court will intervene to protect multi-party democracy.
Supreme Court's Role and INEC's Recognition
The PDP called on the Supreme Court to seize what it termed a historic opportunity to uphold the Nigerian Constitution and its previous rulings on the jurisdiction of courts in political party affairs. The party expressed confidence that the apex court would come to the rescue of democratic principles in the pending appeal.
Meanwhile, in a significant development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognized the National Working Committee of the PDP backed by Minister Wike. This recognition is now reflected on INEC's website, adding a layer of institutional validation to the faction's activities amidst the ongoing disputes.
The PDP's statement underscores the deepening rift within the party and the broader political landscape, as legal battles and accusations continue to shape the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.
