Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he and his loyalists within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow themselves to be used as bargaining tools amid the ongoing internal crisis in the opposition party.

Wike made the remarks on Friday in Abuja while addressing a gathering of Concerned PDP Stakeholders shortly before a closed-door meeting at his Lifecamp residence.

The meeting came on the heels of the court order halting the party’s planned national convention.

Among those present were the PDP National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu, former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Senator Philip Aduda, Hon. Micah Jiba, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), and other lawmakers from the South-East, South-South, and North-Central zones.

In his address, Wike said no individual or group within the PDP would be allowed to exploit his camp for personal or political negotiations.

“Let me be clear: nobody, and I mean nobody, will use us to negotiate for anything. We are part of this party; we have sacrificed for it. But we will not allow anybody to trade us off for personal gain,” he declared.

The minister described the current situation within the PDP as one of “mixed feelings,” noting that while he was satisfied that justice had prevailed through the court ruling, he was also saddened by the level of internal decay within the party.

“Those of us fighting today are not doing so for ourselves. We are doing it because we want the PDP to stand for something, due process, fairness, and respect for the rule of law,” he said.

Wike criticised what he called arrogance and impunity among some PDP leaders, warning that such attitudes were eroding the unity and credibility of the opposition.

“Leadership is not arrogance. When people begin to act as though nobody else matters, they destroy the same house they helped build,” he said.

“We stood firm during tougher times, even when the ruling party tried to divide us, and we will stand firm again.”

He lamented that instead of fostering unity, some governors and party officials were deepening divisions within the PDP.

“There can be no credible opposition that operates with impunity. If you say you want to take power from the ruling party, then you must first show Nigerians that you can obey your own rules,” he added.

Taking a swipe at those who believe political influence can be bought, Wike maintained that some party members remain incorruptible.

“Some think money will solve everything. No, it won’t. There are still people who cannot be bought, no matter how much you offer,” he said.

He commended members who filed the recent lawsuit against the PDP’s planned convention, praising their courage in the face of threats and intimidation.

“Many people give up once they are threatened. But these men and women stood their ground and said, ‘No, we will not allow injustice.’ I salute their courage,” he said.

The minister also accused certain party leaders of manipulating congresses and illegally zoning positions, alleging that some had diverted funds meant for party activities.

“A few people sit in their homes and decide where positions will go. They even pocket the funds meant for the process. It has never been this bad in the PDP,” he lamented.

While reaffirming his commitment to the PDP’s unity, Wike urged governors to focus state resources on development rather than using them to advance internal political interests.

“The funds available to states today are more than ever before. That money should be used to build infrastructure and reduce unemployment, not to weaken our party,” he stated.

Wike said his group remains open to dialogue but would not yield to intimidation or blackmail.

“We are open to peace, but we will not be blackmailed. We will continue to stand for truth and fairness until justice prevails in the PDP,” he concluded.

The closed-door meeting was attended by key PDP stakeholders from across the six geopolitical zones, with a communiqué expected to be issued at the end of the deliberations.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or publishing the results of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, pending compliance with relevant legal provisions.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the party failed to meet the mandatory constitutional and statutory requirements governing the conduct of its conventions.

The judge held that evidence presented by INEC and other respondents revealed that no valid congresses were conducted in some states, contrary to the party’s guidelines and the provisions of the Electoral Act.

He further observed that several official documents relating to the convention were signed solely by the PDP National Chairman, without the joint signature of the National Secretary, which, according to him, violated established legal procedures.

Justice Omotosho also faulted the party for failing to give INEC the mandatory 21-day notice before holding its meetings and congresses, a requirement that allows the electoral umpire to monitor such events as stipulated by law.

“The PDP’s non-compliance with statutory provisions has placed its planned national convention in jeopardy,” the judge stated, advising the party to address the identified lapses before proceeding with the exercise.

Consequently, the court issued an order restraining INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognising the outcome of the convention until the party complies fully with all legal requirements.

The judgment followed a suit filed by three aggrieved PDP members; Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) through their counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN).

The plaintiffs challenged the legality of the planned convention slated for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, where new national officers were to be elected.

The nine defendants in the case include INEC, the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.

Meanwhile, members of the PDP National Convention Committee have expressed satisfaction with preparations in Ibadan ahead of the event.

Led by the Governor of Adamawa State and Committee Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the delegation inspected facilities at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia.

The Committee Secretary, Hon. Stanley Olajide, described the level of readiness as “impressive” and commended the Oyo State Government for its support.

He said the inspection team, which included the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, and Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, assessed key infrastructure including the main bowl, training pitch, lighting systems, and toilet facilities.

“Oyo State is fully prepared to host a successful convention,” Olajide told journalists after the tour.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked its members nationwide to continue preparations for its upcoming national convention, despite a Federal High Court order restraining the party from holding the event.

In a statement on Friday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the court’s decision as “a direct assault on internal party democracy.”

He added that the party would immediately challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The PDP had scheduled its National Elective Convention to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, but growing internal disputes have continued to plague the opposition party.

Supporters of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, remain at odds with the leadership of the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, over control of party structures in several states, including Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau.

The crisis culminated in a lawsuit filed by three aggrieved party officials — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (South-South PDP Secretary) — who asked the court to halt the convention, alleging procedural violations.

Delivering judgment in the case FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled that the PDP failed to comply with both the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and its own internal rules before announcing the convention.

The judge held that the party did not conduct valid state congresses in at least 14 states, nor did it issue the mandatory 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law.

Consequently, the court ordered the immediate suspension of the planned convention until the party rectifies the identified irregularities and complies with all legal provisions.

Reacting to the judgment, Ologunagba insisted that the decision does not invalidate the party’s preparations for its convention.

“The judgment amounts to an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” he said.

“However, it does not vitiate our ability to continue the necessary processes towards the National Convention to elect new national officers.”

He added that the PDP has directed its legal team to file an appeal, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.

Ologunagba urged members and state chapters to remain calm and focused, assuring them that the party remains committed to the rule of law and the defense of multi-party democracy.

“The PDP, as the leading opposition party in Nigeria, remains steadfast in upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and internal democracy,” he stated.

The Legislative Council of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area in Ogun State has suspended the council chairman, Wasiu Lawal, over allegations of gross misconduct, financial impropriety, and insubordination.

The development was announced on Thursday by the Leader of the Legislative Council, Mutairu Gbadamosi, in a video that has since gone viral.

Gbadamosi said the motion for Lawal’s suspension was moved by the councillor representing Ota Ward 2, Hon. Musediq Asalu, who accused the chairman of repeatedly flouting the council’s directives and failing to present financial records as required by law.

“Over the past months, this Honourable Council has requested, on at least four occasions, the Income and Expenditure Account of the local government in line with Section 52 of Part V of the Ogun State Local Government Law 2000 (as amended),” Asalu said.

“Despite these repeated requests, the chairman has willfully refused to submit the documents, offering excuses or no response at all.”

Asalu alleged that the chairman’s actions amounted to negligence, insubordination, and a breach of the law, adding that the refusal to render account raised “serious suspicions of financial impropriety and abuse of office.”

He further claimed that Lawal had disregarded resolutions, invitations, and correspondence from councillors, showing “gross disrespect for the legislative arm” and violating the principle of separation of powers at the local government level.

Quoting provisions of the Ogun State Local Government Law, Asalu moved that Lawal be suspended for three months pending the outcome of an investigation into the council’s financial and administrative management.

“During this period, the chairman shall not access any local government accounts or official documents, issue instructions, or act in any official capacity,” the motion read.

The motion was seconded by the councillor representing Agbara Ward and reportedly passed unanimously, as no member supported a counter-motion.

The lawmakers also directed Lawal to return all government property in his possession, including vehicles, documents, and communication devices, to the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA).

The council’s vice chairman, Abosede Balogun, was immediately appointed acting chairman, tasked with performing all duties of the office in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, Gbadamosi urged Governor Dapo Abiodun and state authorities to provide security for the councillors, alleging that thugs loyal to the suspended chairman had attempted to attack members at the council secretariat in Ota.

When contacted by DAILY GAZETTE, Chairman Wasiu Lawal dismissed the suspension as fake.

“It’s just fake, completely fake,” he said in a phone interview. “There’s nothing like that. It’s all rumours.”

Lawal maintained his position even after being informed of the viral video showing his suspension, insisting, “It’s fake. That’s all I can say.”