By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday ignited fresh political tension within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he openly criticised rival factions, accusing them of disregarding court rulings and engaging in what he described as “fraudulent politics.”
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, Wike maintained that only party leadership structures recognised by the courts remain legitimate, warning that any parallel arrangement outside judicial backing undermines the rule of law.
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He dismissed the existence of caretaker or factional leadership not backed by legal authority, insisting that political actors cannot impose leadership structures arbitrarily. According to him, adherence to judicial pronouncements is fundamental to sustaining democracy.
The former Rivers State governor further described the actions of some PDP stakeholders as “419 politics,” a term commonly used in Nigeria to denote fraud, and challenged the factions to demonstrate legitimacy through recognised party structures.
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The Merit Newspaper reports that Wike also referenced a recent Supreme Court position to support his argument, stressing that the judiciary remains the final arbiter in disputes over party leadership. He warned that ignoring court decisions sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democratic system.
Beyond party politics, the minister addressed ongoing administrative actions within the FCT, particularly the revocation of undeveloped land allocations in Abuja. He defended the policy, stating that the FCT Administration would not tolerate land speculation at the expense of genuine development.
According to him, authorities are prioritising serious investors capable of developing allocated lands in line with the capital city’s master plan. He added that the move is aimed at restoring order and accelerating infrastructure growth in Abuja.
The media chat comes amid lingering internal disputes within the PDP, with multiple factions laying claim to leadership positions — a development that continues to shape alignments ahead of future political contests.
Observers say Wike’s latest remarks may further deepen divisions within the opposition party, even as they highlight his increasingly assertive role in both national politics and the administration of the nation’s capital.
