The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticised a faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He accuses them of destabilising the party and sidelining long-serving members.

Wike specifically stated that Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, “should be ashamed.” This condemnation comes after Mohammed’s tenure as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. During that time, several governors defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During a recent factional meeting in Abuja, Wike declared that Governor Mohammed, alongside Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and others, were “on their way out of the PDP.”

“We will not allow those we welcomed into the PDP to destroy our party,” Wike asserted. “I joined this party in 1998. Bala Mohammed arrived after the doctrine of necessity in 2010. Makinde came from the SDP.” He added, “They now want to push away those they met here. They have no choice; they are again leaving.”

Wike contrasted his tenure as a PDP governor with Mohammed’s chairmanship. He claimed his leadership brought more members, including governors, into the party, unlike Mohammed’s period.

The FCT Minister reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the PDP’s survival. He vowed to do everything possible to prevent the party from becoming extinct.

Wike stressed that he and other founding members would not permit individuals who joined the party from other political platforms to dismantle the PDP.

He further accused the opposing faction of violating court judgments. Wike described their recent “convention” as illegal, insisting that the party must respect judicial processes to regain public confidence.

“You approached a State High Court to sue INEC, seeking for the convention to proceed,” Wike recounted. “You then obtained an ex-parte order to overrule Federal High Court judgments. How can you defy two final judgments and still claim leadership?”

“You held the convention without obeying the court. Now you are asking a Federal High Court for recognition,” he questioned. “If INEC already recognises you, why are you going back to court?”

Wike accused the rival faction of relying on propaganda. He cautioned against allowing selfish interests to destroy the political platform, which has existed since 1998.

“We must not let our party die,” Wike urged. “Leadership demands commitment and honesty, not just propaganda. If we do not respect our own laws, how can we earn respect from Nigerians?”

The FCT Minister urged all party members to support lawful leadership. He called for unity to rebuild the PDP, aligning with democratic principles and judicial integrity.