Wike Dismisses Turaki-Led PDP Caretaker Committee, Labels It Fraudulent

Kingsley Ohens reporting

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , has rejected the caretaker committee reportedly headed by within the (PDP), describing the arrangement as fraudulent and devoid of any legal standing.

Speaking in Abuja, Wike criticized the emergence of the committee, insisting it did not emanate from a validly constituted National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party. He argued that due process was ignored and that those behind the move were attempting to create confusion within the PDP’s leadership structure.

According to the former Rivers State governor, the establishment of any interim leadership outside the framework of subsisting court rulings is unconstitutional and unacceptable. He maintained that only party organs recognized by law and backed by judicial pronouncements have the authority to manage the affairs of the PDP pending a properly convened national convention.

Wike further accused the promoters of the Turaki-led committee of deliberately undermining the rule of law, warning that the creation of parallel leadership structures threatens the stability and credibility of the party. He stressed that adherence to court decisions remains the only legitimate path to resolving the lingering leadership crisis.

The controversy is rooted in deepening divisions within the PDP, with factions aligned to key figures, including Oyo State Governor , reportedly backing the caretaker arrangement following a disputed NEC meeting. However, Wike and his allies have continued to reject the outcome, describing it as inconsistent with the party’s constitution.

Escalating his stance, Wike challenged the faction to demonstrate its legitimacy through lawful means, insisting that any attempt to operate outside recognized legal structures would only expose what he termed the “illegitimacy” of the committee.

The development highlights the widening rift within the PDP as internal disagreements and conflicting interpretations of party processes continue to fuel uncertainty over its leadership, raising concerns about cohesion within Nigeria’s main opposition party ahead of future political engagements.