Abuja – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday urged the faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Tanimu Turaki to open an official party bank account and secretariat if it truly claims to represent the party’s national leadership.
Speaking to journalists in the capital, Wike alleged that the Turaki faction is misleading the public and contravening court rulings that have settled the ongoing PDP leadership crisis. He argued that the group lacks the legal standing to manage the party’s affairs and therefore cannot lawfully operate a bank account or office in the party’s name.
“You cannot continue to deceive Nigerians. If you are sure you are the authentic PDP leadership, open an official PDP account and instruct members to pay nomination fees into it,” Wike said. He specifically called on Turaki to establish a bank account under the PDP banner and publicise it for prospective candidates, adding that no bank would recognise such an account without the party’s authentic documents and recognised leadership.
Wike warned that any attempt to open an illegal PDP office in Abuja would be sealed, emphasizing his responsibility to maintain law and order in the Federal Capital Territory. “I will not allow any breach of peace,” he said.
The minister reiterated that court judgments have already clarified the party’s leadership and convention matters, accusing dissenting actors of twisting judicial pronouncements for political gain. “The judgments are clear. You cannot ignore court decisions and begin to create parallel structures,” Wike stressed.
He also dismissed claims that the Supreme Court ruling favoured the Turaki faction, maintaining that the legal decisions support the recognised PDP leadership. According to Wike, reinterpretations of the judgments are intended to confuse party members and the public.
Wike affirmed his continued membership in the PDP and said his intervention aims to protect constitutional order and due process within the party.
The PDP has been embroiled in internal disputes over its convention, caretaker arrangements and the recognition of national officers ahead of the 2027 general elections. The minister’s statements add pressure on the Turaki faction to resolve the leadership controversy in line with existing court rulings.
