Wike dares Turaki’s PDP faction: ‘Open a secretariat, bank account, I’ll seal it’
Wike Issues Challenge to Faction of PDP
By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA — Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory minister, issued a challenge to the Tanimu Turaki faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a media briefing on Wednesday. He urged the faction to establish an official party secretariat and bank account in Abuja if they believe they are the legitimate leaders of the party.
Wike stated he would take action to close any such offices immediately upon their formation. His comments came in response to claims by the faction led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Turaki, whom he accused of engaging in fraud and defying court rulings.
“When will people stop being fraudulent?” Wike said. “You cannot disobey court judgments and then claim to have a legitimate structure.” He insisted that the faction lacked the legal basis to manage the PDP’s affairs, reiterating his challenge to them to demonstrate their legitimacy.
He specifically called on Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to publicly establish a bank account for the PDP. “That day, you will see what will happen. He will lose his silk,” Wike remarked.
Wike argued that financial institutions would not accept a request from the rival faction, asserting they lacked the necessary documentation to substantiate their claims. He also dismissed the idea of a leadership being formed without due procedure. “If anybody goes ahead to open an illegal office in the name of the PDP in Abuja, I will seal it,” he emphasized, underscoring his commitment to maintaining law and order in the capital.
The minister criticized the rival group’s attempts to establish what he termed an illegal caretaker arrangement. He referred to recent court rulings as clear in designating who should oversee the party until a lawful convention occurs. “That is fraud, 419,” he stated.
Wike did not hold back regarding a Supreme Court ruling the rival faction has referenced, claiming it has been misinterpreted. He maintained that the recognized party leadership is supported by legal processes.
Addressing ongoing tensions within the PDP concerning the Board of Trustees, he condemned the actions of the Adolphus Wabara-led group to form an interim committee, calling it another instance of illegality.
On the subject of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to seek election, Wike noted it is a personal choice but added that it highlights certain character traits. “You have just exposed yourself,” he remarked.
Additionally, Wike responded to public concern over his administration’s crackdown on abandoned and poorly developed land around Jabi Lake. He emphasized that actions taken are in accordance with law and the Abuja master plan. “For 15 years, nothing happened. We cannot continue like that,” he asserted, revealing that the FCT Administration has already revoked several undeveloped plots.
Wike clarified that the objective of these measures is to restore order and ensure proper development. “We are reclaiming land from those who failed to do what they were supposed to do,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to the PDP and to constitutional order.
The minister maintained that he is acting solely in defense of due process within the party.
