FCT minister Nyesom Wike says it is “fraudulent” and “illegal” for the factional National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, backed by Governor Seyi Makinde, to set up a 13-member caretaker committee.
The committee is headed by Tanimu Turaki.
At the 103rd NEC meeting held in Abuja on Monday, the Makinde-backed faction ratified the committee following a motion moved by Edo PDP chairman Tony Aziegbemi and seconded by the party’s ex-officio member, Clement Fagboyede.
“The court has made it clear who should run the affairs of the party pending a lawful convention. You cannot ignore that and start setting up another structure. That is 419.
“When will people stop being fraudulent? You cannot disobey court judgments and then turn around to deceive Nigerians that you have a legitimate structure. That is not how democracy works,” said Mr Wike, in a media chat on Wednesday.
Mr Wike threatened to seal off any secretariat opened by the faction in Abuja, insisting their action constitutes a breach of the law.
“I dare them to sell forms and open accounts for buyers. That account will be in trouble. These guys are fraudulent, and you can only stop criminals by upholding the laws.
“Let them open an office anywhere and call it a secretariat. I’ll seal it off. I will never allow a breach of law. I will not aid criminals. You don’t form a leadership in your bedroom and call it a national structure,” Mr Wike explained.
The minister’s statement came after the Supreme Court, in a narrow 3–2 ruling, nullified the Makinde-backed PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, which had produced the Turaki-led leadership.
The court ruled that the convention violated existing orders restraining the party from proceeding until specific conditions were fulfilled, criticising the PDP for acting in disregard of explicit judicial directives.
Meanwhile, the Makinde-backed faction at its 104th NWC meeting fixed the cost of the 2027 expression of interest and nomination forms at N100 million for the presidential ticket and N40m for the governorship.
The Turaki-led caretaker committee also announced that the party’s NEC would ratify all nominated candidates on May 30, following the conclusion of its primary processes.
