Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says he would not be pushed out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by members who joined the party after him.
Speaking on Sunday at a factional national executive committee (NEC) meeting of the party held at his official residence in Abuja, Wike said Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi; and Seyi Makinde, his Oyo counterpart, joined the PDP long after he did.
Last month, the PDP faction backed by Makinde and Mohammed expelled Wike and his allies — Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Oyo; Samuel Anyanwu, former national secretary; Umar Bature, former national organising secretary; Kamaldeen Ajibade, ex-national legal adviser; Mao Ohuabunwa, former lawmaker; Austin Nwachukwu, former Imo state PDP chairman; Amah Nnanna Abraham, former Abia state PDP chairman; Dan Orbih, former national vice-chairman (south-south); and Turnah George.
However, Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau; and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa distanced themselves from Wike’s expulsion.
The Wike group has since formed a parallel national working committee (NWC), board of trustees (BoT), and NEC.
‘THEY CAN’T DRAG ME OUT’
Wike said he has been part of the PDP since its founding leaders conceived the idea in the late 1990s, adding that no one can chase out those who have remained loyal and sacrificed for the party.
“How can those who met me in my house now drag me out? I will never allow it,” Wike said.
“Ask Bala Mohammed which party he ran under as a senator. Our party has always accommodated people who came in and rose to become governors and senators.
“But they now think they can push out those who made sacrifices for the party from its inception. If people allowed them before, we will not allow them.”
Wike criticised the Kabiru Turaki-led NWC, backed by Bala and Makinde, for “violating court orders” by holding an “illegal convention”.
“You went to a state high court to sue INEC, asking that the convention must take place, and you got an ex parte order to override judgments of the federal high court. How do you disobey two final judgments and still claim leadership?” he asked.
“You held a convention without obeying the court, and now you are back asking a federal high court to recognise you. If INEC already recognises you, what exactly are you going to court for?”
The FCT minister warned that such actions could endanger the PDP’s future, stating that leaders must rise above personal interests to protect the party established in 1998.
“We must not allow our party to die. Leadership requires commitment and honesty, not propaganda. If we don’t respect our own laws, how do we earn respect from Nigerians?” he asked.
Wike urged party members to rally behind lawful leadership and work to rebuild the PDP along the lines of internal democracy and respect for the judiciary
