Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has hailed the court ruling halting the PDP’s planned national convention, describing it as a major blow against impunity within the party.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on Friday stopped the scheduled 2025 PDP National Convention.

The judge ruled that the opposition party must first meet all constitutional and statutory conditions before convening. The order also stopped INEC from recognizing any convention outcome that does not follow due process.

Speaking after the judgement, Wike said the ruling marks a turning point for internal party discipline.

“We are happy that we have fought impunity while on another part we are not happy with what is going on in the party,” he stated, noting that the PDP had never been this divided.

“We are happy that we have fought impunity…” he added while addressing PDP stakeholders from 12 states and the FCT. “It’s unfortunate that the so-called purported national convention cannot hold, it has never been bad like this in the Peoples Democratic Party.”

According to the minister, the situation is sad but necessary, adding that leadership failures and arrogance triggered the crisis. He stressed that no one should be above party rules.

“Opposition party is supposed to put heads together and follow due process but if you are not doing that then you are sending a wrong message,” he said.

Wike noted that some governors must focus on delivering good governance instead of using state resources to fight internal party battles.

He reminded the gathering that they had earlier vowed to challenge any action that undermines party rules. “Nobody will be intimidated we will do what is right,” he added.

The meeting had top PDP figures in attendance, including former governors Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu, FCT and Rivers lawmakers, and several state party chairmen.

However, the minister urged stakeholders to remain firm and continue defending the party’s constitution.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Friday led leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in declaring full support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Naija News reports that the event, held in Edo Central, brought together key political figures from across the state, uniting them under a common goal ahead of the next general elections.

The gathering was attended by top members of the party, including Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and the Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh.

Other notable attendees were Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Blessing Agbebaku, former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, Senator Mathew Urhoghide, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, APC State Chairman Emperor Jarret Tenebe, and Retired General Cecil Isegaigbe.

The event also served as a welcoming ceremony for several new members who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labor Party (LP) to join the APC.

Their defection was seen as a boost to the ruling party’s strength ahead of the next election season.

During his address, Governor Okpebholo thanked President Tinubu for the attention given to Edo State, particularly in road construction and infrastructure.

He said that the approval of key road projects such as the Agbor Road showed the President’s commitment to the state.

Okpebholo assured party members that Edo would continue to stand with the President and that his own administration would remain people focused.

Former Governor Oshiomhole praised Tinubu for creating a financial system that supports development across the country.

He also commended Okpebholo’s leadership style, stating that the governor had managed state projects without resorting to borrowing.

Minister Abubakar Momoh described the Tinubu administration as one that has introduced reforms aimed at driving Nigeria’s long-term progress.

According to him, these reforms are setting the foundation for sustainable development across the nation.

During the meeting, Retired General Isegaigbe formally moved the motion for President Tinubu’s adoption as the APC’s choice for the 2027 election.

The motion was supported by Senator Joe Ikpea and endorsed by Oshiomhole and other party leaders.

To aid in upcoming mobilization efforts, four campaign buses were distributed to coordinators from Edo North, Edo Central, and Edo South.

The newly received members, including Emmanuel Okoduwa, Patrick Iluobe, Ehime Edangbe, and Anthony Iselobho, pledged to work hard for Tinubu’s return to office.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed disappointment over the court ruling, which ordered the suspension of its planned National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The PDP stated that the ruling by Justice Kolawole Omotosho constitutes an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.

It added that the court order does not stop the party from continuing the plans and processes towards hosting a successful convention.

Naija News recalls that Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, stopped the PDP from going ahead with its planned national convention scheduled for November 15-16.

The court ordered the PDP to put its plans for the convention on hold, citing a breach of rules.

Justice Omotosho directed the PDP to go back and put its house in order, and also to send the statutory 21-day notice before proceeding with the proposed convention.

The court order follows a suit initiated by three PDP members, Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah George (South-South PDP Secretary), alleging a breach of the party’s constitution in the convention’s preparation.

However, in a swift reaction through a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP vowed to appeal the court order.

It added that the ruling contravenes the existing Supreme Court order, which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs.

The full PDP statement reads, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Honorable Justice Kolawole Omotosho today, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.

“However, the PDP states that the judgment of the court does not vitiate its ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new National Officers to pilot the affairs of the Party for the next four years.

“Our Party notes the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs.

“The PDP therefore charges its members, Chapter and Organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the National Convention of our Party.

“Nevertheless, the PDP as the leading opposition Party in Nigeria committed to the Rule of Law has accordingly directed its lawyers to take immediate action to appeal this judgment in our unwavering determination to uphold, defend and promote multi-party democracy in our country.”