Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed the adoption of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the presidential candidate of the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike questioned the legitimacy of a political process conducted without the direct involvement of the individual concerned. He also faulted claims by the Emeka Beke-led faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State regarding a recent Court of Appeal judgment.
Wike Questions Jonathan's Nomination
Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike expressed disbelief at the Turaki group's actions. He stated, “They say they have a presidential candidate. Why not wait? The same presidential candidate they are talking about has not made any statement. You are conducting an election on behalf of somebody. I don’t know when Nigeria got to the point where people run elections on behalf of another person.”
Alleged Misrepresentation of Court Ruling
Wike also dismissed claims by the Turaki faction that a recent Court of Appeal judgment invalidated the party's convention and the National Working Committee (NWC). He accused the group of deliberately misrepresenting the court's decision to mislead supporters and sustain what he described as a lost political cause. “When I say 419, people don’t pay attention to it. There are 419s of different types and forms,” Wike said. “It is unfortunate that somebody may even be derobed because of this matter. When a lawyer comes out to give information different from what the court actually said, it is really unfortunate.”
APC Faction's Claims Rejected
Wike rejected claims by the Beke faction that the appellate court judgment nullified all decisions taken by the Tony Okocha-led APC in Rivers, including primaries. He argued that the faction lacked a proper understanding of the court's decision. “Ask him what the court said and whether the state carried out any primary. State chapters do not conduct primaries; primaries are conducted by the NWC of the party,” he said. According to Wike, the dispute originated from an ex parte order obtained at a state high court to stop congresses for electing state party officers.
Insecurity Should Not Be Politicised
Wike also defended his recent remarks on a protest by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over abductions in the FCT. He insisted that insecurity should not be politicised and stood by his comments. The minister maintained that the issue of abductions should be addressed without political manipulation, emphasising the need for unity in tackling security challenges.
