Wike: Supreme Court Ruling Puts an End to PDP Factions
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is now fully united following a decisive judgment by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which he says has resolved all lingering disputes over factional leadership within the party.
Speaking during a press briefing at his residence in Abuja on Thursday, Wike described the apex court’s ruling as a turning point for the PDP, effectively putting an end to claims of parallel structures and internal divisions that had troubled the party in recent times.
According to the former Rivers State governor, the Supreme Court’s decision has conclusively settled all legal battles surrounding the party’s leadership, affirming the legitimacy of its convention and the current executives. He emphasized that the judgment leaves no room for ambiguity regarding who leads the party.
“Today marks the end of the so-called factions within the PDP. There is no division anymore—there is only one united party,” Wike stated confidently.
He further clarified that contrary to some reports, the issue of the suspension of the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, was not part of the matters before the Supreme Court, dismissing claims that the court upheld any such action.
Wike explained that the apex court dismissed multiple appeals filed by aggrieved members who had sought to overturn earlier rulings from lower courts. By doing so, the Supreme Court effectively upheld previous decisions that validated the party’s convention and leadership structure.
“All attempts to challenge the outcome of our convention have now failed at every level of the judiciary. The Supreme Court has spoken clearly, reinforcing the position that there is no alternative leadership outside the recognized structure,” he said.
The minister used the opportunity to stress the importance of adherence to the rule of law in political activities. He cautioned party members and political actors against actions that could undermine established party constitutions and democratic principles.
“Leadership positions do not grant anyone the liberty to act outside the law. Political parties are governed by rules, and those rules must be respected at all times,” he added.
Addressing the issue of defections that occurred during the period of internal crisis, Wike downplayed their significance, describing some of those who left the party as lacking electoral value. However, he maintained a more conciliatory tone toward others who may have exited due to uncertainty.
“Some of those who left are not politically relevant, but for those who stepped away because of confusion at the time, the door remains open. Now that clarity has been restored, they are free to return,” he noted.
On the subject of coalition efforts among opposition figures, Wike made it clear that he is not inclined to support alliances that lack clear purpose or national interest. He reiterated his belief in constructive opposition rather than alliances driven solely by political convenience.
“We do not subscribe to opposition for the sake of it. Any engagement must be meaningful and focused on national development, not mere political calculations,” he said.
He also highlighted the significance of judicial interventions in resolving political disputes, urging aggrieved individuals and groups to continue seeking lawful channels for redress instead of resorting to disruptive actions.
Wike concluded by expressing confidence in the PDP’s stability and readiness to effectively play its role as a major opposition party in Nigeria’s democratic space. He described the Supreme Court’s ruling as not just a victory for the party, but also for the rule of law and internal democracy.
“The PDP is now stable, united, and prepared to offer credible alternatives. What we have witnessed is a triumph of due process and democratic order,” he affirmed.
