The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to lead a resistance against what he describes as rampant impunity within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he and his allies will not be used as “bargaining tools” in the party’s internal crisis.

Wike made the declaration while addressing a gathering of Concerned PDP Stakeholders at his official residence in Abuja, following a Federal High Court judgment that halted the party’s planned national convention.

The meeting was attended by prominent figures including PDP National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu, former Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, and several other federal lawmakers and Board of Trustees members.

A Stand Against “Impunity and Arrogance”

In a fiery address, Wike commended the court’s decision, framing it as a victory for due process over what he called a hijacking of the party’s leadership structure.

“Let me be clear: nobody, and I mean nobody, will use us to negotiate for anything,” Wike stated. “We are part of this party; we have sacrificed for it. But we will not allow anybody to trade us off for personal gain.”

He described his feelings as mixed, happy that justice had prevailed but saddened to see the party “being destroyed from within.” He insisted the fight was not for personal interest but to restore the party’s core values.

“Leadership is not arrogance. When people begin to act as though nobody matters, they destroy the same house they built,” he said, criticizing certain leaders for disregarding the contributions of others.

Call for Credible Opposition and Genuine Dialogue

Wike berated PDP governors and officials for failing to unite the party, stating that a credible opposition cannot be built on a foundation of impunity.

“If you say you want to take power from the ruling party, then you must first show Nigerians that you can obey your own rules,” he asserted.

He also took a swipe at those who believe political power can be bought, stating, “Some think money will solve everything. No, it won’t. There are still people who cannot be bought, no matter how much you offer.”

While reaffirming his commitment to the PDP’s unity, Wike urged governors to use state resources to develop their states and strengthen the party, rather than to “kill the party.”

He concluded by assuring that his group remains open to genuine dialogue but would not be blackmailed into submission. “We are open to peace, but we will not be blackmailed. We will continue to stand for truth and fairness until justice prevails in the PDP,” he said.

A closed-door meeting followed his remarks, with a communiqué expected from the stakeholders.