Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike praised a court ruling that restrained the Peoples Democratic Party's preparations for its national convention, while the party vowed to appeal and proceed with the event. Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja, Wike accused party leaders of undermining internal democracy. The PDP dismissed the judgment and instructed lawyers to challenge it immediately.
On October 31, 2025, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a ruling that nullified preparations for the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The court restrained PDP officials from taking further steps toward the event and barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing any outcomes. The decision followed a suit by aggrieved party members alleging breaches of the PDP constitution and the Electoral Act.
At a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja on the same day, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike condemned what he called growing impunity within the PDP and hailed the judgment. He accused senior figures, including party leadership and the governors' forum, of sidelining due process and undermining internal democracy. "The laws are there to follow," Wike told delegates. "If you don’t follow the law, there’s nothing we can do. We will allow justice to prevail."
Wike commended members who stood firm against intimidation, saying, "You have made us bold. Monkey dey jump… now we are three there, three here." The meeting included National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, former governors Samuel Ortom of Benue and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Senators Philip Aduda and Mao Ohuabunwa, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Board of Trustees members, and legislators from the South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions.
He criticized leaders for using the PDP as a "bargaining chip" for personal gain, warning, "Leadership that does not recognise the role played by individuals in sustaining the party is inimical to its survival." Wike expressed mixed emotions: "On one part, it’s one of my happiest days; on the other, one of my saddest. I’m happy for those who stood for justice, but sad that internal democracy is being eroded."
In response, the PDP dismissed the ruling as "an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process" and vowed to appeal. National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated, "The party notes the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the supremacy of a political party in managing its internal affairs. Accordingly, all organs and members should remain steadfast as we pursue our appeal." The party affirmed it would continue convention preparations while committing to the rule of law.
Wike urged stakeholders to unite and follow due process, emphasizing the crisis concerned the PDP's future, not personalities. Organizers anticipated a communiqué outlining peace measures or a revised timetable. Separately, the court rejected a request by former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido to stop the convention.
