Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has applauded the Federal High Court judgment stopping the Peoples Democratic Party from conducting its national convention.
Wike and the concerned stakeholders of the PDP lauded the court’s ruling, which, according to the group, upheld constitutional order in the management of the party’s affairs, describing it as a landmark decision that restores discipline and internal democracy within the PDP.
The group, which met on Friday at the Life Camp residence of Nyesom Wike, issued a communique read by former Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.
In the statement, the stakeholders praised the judiciary “for upholding truth over impunity,” noting that the verdict supported the primacy of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC instructions, and the PDP constitution.
Wike, Ikpeazu, PDP National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, former Benue State governor Samuel Ortom, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Him. Micah Jiba, other BoT members, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and others were among those present at the meeting.
Other senators and honorable members are in attendance, primarily from the Southeast, South-South, and North Central.
According to the statement, the verdict firmly validated Chief Dan Orbih as the party’s real National Vice Chairman (South South), while declaring Chief Emmanuel Ogidi’s purported appointment null and void.
They also praised the court for maintaining Ali Odefa’s expulsion, claiming that the judgment “has restored integrity and discipline in the administration of the party while emphasizing that persons expelled from the party have no locus standi to stand or litigate on its behalf.”
The communique also reiterated the court’s requirement that all official correspondences to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) be signed jointly by the National Chairman and the National Secretary, with the latter remaining the primary signatory to the party’s official communications.
It further stated that no PDP national convention may take place until all legal requirements, including the party’s constitution and INEC rules, are met.
“This judgement further establishes that the plaintiff’s action was not an interference in the party’s internal affairs but a patriotic effort to ensure that INEC performs its constitutional duty in enthroning internal democracy in political party administration in Nigeria,” the stakeholders said.
They described the verdict as “a crucial step towards sanitizing Nigeria’s political system,” claiming that it strengthens lawful, transparent, and accountable political processes while rejecting impunity.
The group reaffirmed their commitment to the court’s decision, saying, “We will abide by the judgement in its entirety. We commend and affirm our faith in the judiciary.”
They also stated that as dedicated and committed party leaders, they are open to reconciliation and the joint rebuilding of the PDP.
“Our doors are open to all genuine members of the party across the country to join hands with us in returning our party to its founding ideals,” the communique read.
The stakeholders asked members nationwide to “stand for truth, justice, and the rule of law—the very values that define our great party and its promise to Nigerians.”
