Edith CHUKU
The Southwest Ex-Officio of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Dr. Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, has tackled the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, over his alleged outburst after the Supreme Court’s ruling.
In a statement on Friday, Ewenla described Wike’s supposed claim of PDP ownership as legally baseless, misleading, unfounded and politically inappropriate.
The PDP leader emphasized that the judgment of the Supreme Court did not confer victory on any individual, faction, or interest group. Rather, the apex court reaffirmed the supremacy of the rule of law and addressed critical procedural and constitutional breaches within the party.
He insisted that PDP is a national institution built on collective sacrifice, democratic ideals, and the contributions of millions of members across Nigeria.
According to him, PDP is not, and can never be, the personal property of any one individual.
His words: “The attention of concerned and committed members of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, as well as the general public, has been drawn to statements credited to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in which he purportedly declared personal victory and went as far as claiming ownership of the PDP following the recent Supreme Court judgment.
“It is necessary, in the interest of truth, party unity, and public understanding, to clearly and unequivocally state that such claims are misleading, unfounded, and inconsistent with the substance and spirit of the Supreme Court’s decision.”
“Key highlights of the Supreme Court judgment: Nullification of Party Processes:
The court declared the disputed conventions and all actions emanating from them null and void, having been conducted in violation of due process and existing court orders.
“Upholding of Suspensions: The suspension of Senator Samuel Anyanwu and other affected party officials was upheld, reinforcing the authority of properly constituted party organs.
“Invalidation of Committees and Appointments: All committees and appointments arising from the nullified processes stand dissolved, as they lack legal and constitutional backing.
“Reaffirmation of Institutional Supremacy: The court emphasized that the PDP, as a democratic institution, cannot and must not be appropriated by any individual, regardless of status or influence.
“Clarification on Misleading Claims: The assertion by Nyesom Wike that he “owns” the PDP is not only legally baseless but also politically inappropriate.”
Ewenla noted that the Supreme Court judgment, in clear terms, does not validate any claim of dominance by a faction. Instead, it dismantles all irregular structures and calls for a reset anchored on legality, inclusiveness, and respect for the party’s constitution.
On his call for responsibility and unity, the PDP leader said “at this critical juncture, all leaders and stakeholders must refrain from inflammatory and divisive statements capable of further destabilizing the party.
“The focus must now shift from personal aggrandizement to genuine reconciliation, rebuilding, and strengthening of party structures in line with constitutional provisions.
“If there are ambiguities in interpreting the judgment, it is expected that individuals particularly those with legal backgrounds seek proper clarification rather than misinforming the public.”
