The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki to demonstrate its claim to leadership by opening an official party bank account and secretariat.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike accused members of the rival faction of misleading Nigerians and disregarding court rulings in the ongoing leadership crisis within the opposition party. He insisted that the group lacked the legal authority to manage party affairs or represent its structure.
“You cannot continue to deceive Nigerians. If they are sure they are the authentic leadership of the PDP, let them open an official PDP account and tell party members to pay nomination fees into it,” Wike said.
The former Rivers State governor specifically urged Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to put the faction’s claims to the test by establishing a bank account in the party’s name and making it public for aspirants. According to Wike, such a move would quickly expose the group’s lack of legitimacy.
He argued that no financial institution would recognise the account, as the faction allegedly does not possess the legally required documentation or recognised leadership status needed to operate on behalf of the party.
“That bank will be in trouble because to open such an account, you must provide the party’s authentic documents and recognised leadership. Who has those documents?” he queried.
Wike also issued a warning against attempts to establish what he described as illegal PDP offices within the Federal Capital Territory. He vowed that any such move would be met with swift action to preserve law and order.
“If anybody goes ahead to open an illegal office in the name of the PDP in Abuja, I will seal it. I will not allow any breach of peace because my duty is to maintain law and order,” he stated.
The minister maintained that court judgments had already resolved the dispute over the party’s leadership and convention arrangements. He accused opposing actors of deliberately misinterpreting judicial decisions to suit their political agenda and create confusion among party members.
Despite the internal divisions, Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, stating that his actions were aimed at upholding constitutional order and due process within the party.
The PDP has remained embroiled in a prolonged leadership tussle, fuelled by disagreements over conventions, caretaker committees and the recognition of key national officers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Analysts warn that the crisis could weaken the party’s chances if unresolved.
