Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Nyesom Wike, has rejected plans by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)led by Tanimu Turaki to challenge a recent Court of Appeal ruling at the Supreme Court
Wike described the proposed appeal as lacking merit, insisting it would not disrupt preparations for the party’s upcoming national convention.
He spoke after inspecting the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the venue for the PDP convention scheduled for March 29 and March 30.
Earlier, the Turaki-led National Executive Committee (NEC) had endorsed a decision by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to proceed with the appeal.
Reacting to the development, Wike maintained that internal disagreements are normal within political organisations and should not derail party activities.
He emphasised that the PDP would go ahead with its convention while continuing efforts to address grievances among members.
According to him, unity within the party remains a priority, with leadership committed to engaging dissatisfied members and finding common ground.
Wike expressed confidence in the PDP’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that the party would demonstrate its political strength.
He also confirmed that party positions have already been shared across geopolitical zones to ensure balance and inclusiveness.
The minister explained that the presidency has been zoned to the South, while the national chairmanship position is allocated to the North describing the arrangement as a consensus-driven approach.
He added that the zoning structure is expected to simplify the convention process and promote unity, moving away from past practices that sometimes reflected internal divisions.
On preparations, Wike said arrangements for the convention were nearly complete, with logistics and seating plans already finalised.
He noted that the venue is largely ready to host delegates, including designated areas for state representatives and VIP guests.
The inspection tour was attended by key PDP stakeholders, including Dr Okezie Ikpeazu Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Mohammed Abdulrahman, Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee.
Other party leaders present included Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, members of the caretaker committee, and prominent PDP figures from across the country.
