APPEAL COURT RULING: WIKE CALLS FOR UNITY, SAYS VERDICT OFFERS PDP OPPORTUNITY TO REBUILD

By: Wisdom Acka

In a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeal Monday, on 9th, March, 2026, upheld the judgment nullifying the controversial 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The verdict, described by Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike as a “victory for the rule of law,” has reignited calls for unity within the opposition party.

Reacting immediately after the judgment during a press briefing, Wike, a vocal critic of the botched convention, declared it one of his “happiest days.”

The Minister frowned at the party leaders for flouting legal procedures, stating: “When you violate the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, it’s no longer ‘internal affairs’ -it’s an assault on democracy.”

He cited the Supreme Court’s precedent in the APC vs. Joshua case, emphasizing that compliance with statutory laws supersedes party politics.

“Some people thought power meant impunity. Today, the law has spoken,” Wike declared.

With PDP primaries scheduled for April, Wike urged warring factions to drop their “egos” and seize the moment to rebuild.

“This is not about leadership tussles; it’s about saving the PDP from self-destruction,” he warned, cautioning against further litigation.

“If we rush to the Supreme Court now, we’ll only hurt the party we claim to love,” he advised.

He noted that the court’s decision validates the PDP’s Caretaker Committee, which has already secured approval to hold a fresh national convention from March 29–30 at an alternative venue near the National Stadium.

Wike confirmed preparations are underway, though he dismissed speculations about the committee’s legitimacy: “The caretaker team is lawful. The illegal convention is dead.”

Wike’s message was unequivocal: “Enough is enough.” He framed the crisis as a litmus test for the PDP’s survival as Nigeria’s main opposition force. “If we don’t unite, APC will dance on our grave. No other party can challenge them—not even Labour Party.”