The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said in Abuja on Monday that the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal on the Peoples Democratic Party national convention has created an opening for the party to reorganise and restore unity among its members.
He spoke with journalists shortly after the appellate court affirmed the decision that nullified the PDP convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025.
Wike said the judgment confirmed that the convention conducted by the party could not stand because legal requirements guiding such political gatherings were not followed.
According to him, the ruling showed that political parties must comply with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and their internal rules before organising major activities like national conventions.
He explained that the court found that some procedures were ignored before the Ibadan meeting was held. Among the issues identified were the failure to conduct valid congresses in some states and the absence of proper notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission before the convention took place.
Wike said that when such procedures are ignored, the issue becomes a legal matter rather than a simple internal party disagreement.
The minister described the court decision as a moment that should remind members of the party about the need to follow due process and respect the rule of law. According to him, the development should encourage members of the PDP to correct past mistakes and focus on rebuilding the party.
He also noted that disagreements within the party had lasted for a long time and urged members to set aside personal interests. Wike advised party leaders and supporters to see the judgment as an opportunity to reunite and strengthen the PDP ahead of future political contests.
The FCT minister said the party still plays an important role in the country as an opposition platform and must remain strong in order to perform that duty effectively. He stated that resolving internal disputes and putting the party’s structure in order would help the PDP remain active in Nigeria’s political space.
Wike further explained that with the Court of Appeal confirming the invalidity of the Ibadan convention, the leadership structure that emerged from that exercise cannot be recognised. He said the party had already put a caretaker arrangement in place to manage its affairs until a new national convention is conducted.
According to him, preparations are underway for another convention scheduled for March 29 and March 30, 2026. The gathering is expected to take place at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where party members will elect new national officers in line with the law and the party’s constitution.
He added that the caretaker committee was established after the tenure of the previous National Working Committee expired. The arrangement, he said, was necessary to