Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has vowed to oppose what he described as impunity within the People's Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike, who welcomed the court decision halting the party's planned national conference, said neither he nor his supporters would allow themselves to be used as a bargaining tool in the party's internal crisis.
Addressing concerned PDP stakeholders before a closed-door meeting at his Lifecamp residence in Abuja, Wike described the verdict as a victory for justice and due process.
The meeting was attended by the National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Sam Anyanwu; Samuel Ortom, former governor of Benue State; Okezie Ikpeazu, former governor of Abia State; Senator Philip Eduda; Honorable. Micah Ziba; Member of the Board of Trustees; and Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, among others. Several senators and members of the House of Representatives from the South-East, South-South and North-Central regions were also present.
Vicky accused some party leaders of trying to take over the leadership of PDP by ignoring due process.
“Let me be clear,” he said. “No one will use us to negotiate for anything. We have made sacrifices for this party and will not allow anyone to make a deal with us for personal gain.”
He said he felt both satisfied and concerned at the recent developments in the party.
“I am happy that justice prevailed,” he said. “But it is sad to see the party being weakened from within. Those of us who are speaking out are not doing it for ourselves but to restore fairness, respect for the law and discipline.”
Vicky accused some PDP leaders of showing arrogance and ignoring the contributions of others who stood by the party in difficult times.
“Leadership is not ego,” he said. “When people act as if others don't matter, they destroy the very house they helped build. We have persevered through difficult times and will do so again.”
He also rejected claims that money could fix the party's problems.
He said, “Some people believe that money can solve everything. It cannot. There are still people who cannot be bought. We will stand up for what is right.”
Wike commended the members who challenged the planned conference in court, praising their courage despite threats and pressure.
He said, “Many people might have backed down after receiving threats, but they remained firm on their stand. They said no to injustice and I appreciate them.”
The minister accused some party officials of violating the PDP constitution by illegally zoning posts and manipulating the Congress.
He said, “Some people now sit in their homes and decide who will get what and even keep the funds with themselves for the process. It has never been so bad.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the unity of the PDP, Wike urged governors to use available resources to develop their states and strengthen the party rather than weaken it.
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He said, “State revenues are now higher than ever before. Those funds should be spent on infrastructure and job creation, not in weakening the PDP. We will not accept this.”
He said that his group is ready for talks but will not succumb to blackmail.
“We are open to peace, but not at the cost of justice. Until the PDP returns to its core values, we will continue to stand for truth and fairness,” Wike concluded.
The meeting, which was attended by stakeholders from six geopolitical zones, continued behind closed doors and a communiqué was expected to be issued at the end of the deliberations.
