The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated, with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, daring rival factions to prove their legitimacy.
Wike challenged opposing groups to demonstrate control by opening an official party bank account and operating a recognised secretariat.
The latest development follows renewed clashes between factions within the Peoples Democratic Party, including groups aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and those backing Wike.
The dispute intensified after the Wike-supported faction rejected what it described as an unauthorised National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, as well as the announcement of a caretaker leadership reportedly headed by Tanimu Turaki.
According to the faction, no valid NEC meeting took place, insisting that Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu remain the legitimate party officials.
They also cited a Supreme Court ruling delivered on April 30, which reportedly nullified a convention held in Ibadan that produced the rival leadership, further deepening divisions within the party.
Speaking during a live media session in Abuja, Wike accused opposing figures of misleading the public about who truly controls the party.
He argued that any group claiming leadership should be able to back it up with tangible structures, including opening an official party account for financial transactions.
According to him, such a move would expose whether the rival faction has legal backing or not.
Wike specifically called out Tanimu Turaki and others, urging them to publicly set up an account where members can pay nomination fees if they truly believe they are in charge.
He questioned how any financial institution could approve such a request without verified party documents and recognised leadership.
The FCT Minister also warned against the creation of parallel party offices in Abuja, stressing that any illegal structure would be shut down.
He stated that his responsibility as FCT Minister includes maintaining law and order, and any action capable of causing unrest would not be tolerated.
Wike further cautioned that banks involved in opening unauthorised accounts for the party could face serious consequences.
The FCT Minister also warned against the creation of parallel party offices in Abuja, stressing that any illegal structure would be shut down.
He stated that his responsibility as FCT Minister includes maintaining law and order, and any action capable of causing unrest would not be tolerated.
Wike further cautioned that banks involved in opening unauthorised accounts for the party could face serious consequences.
The ongoing leadership tussle within the Peoples Democratic Party continues to expose deep divisions, with both sides standing firm on their claims. As the crisis unfolds, questions over legitimacy, structure, and control remain central to the party’s future direction.
