The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning against any attempt by the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Senator Tanimu Turaki to establish offices in Abuja for the sale of party nomination forms, describing such actions as illegal and contrary to existing court judgments.
Speaking during a media parley on Wednesday, Wike declared that his administration would not tolerate any activity that undermines the law, threatens public order, or disregards judicial decisions within the Federal Capital Territory.
The former Rivers State governor stated that any building found to be housing offices operated by the Turaki faction for PDP-related activities would be sealed immediately by authorities.
Wike maintained that the group lacks legal authority to conduct official party business, insisting that the recognised leadership of the PDP remains under the current National Working Committee headed by Abdulrahman.
According to him, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara no longer belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party and therefore has no standing in the affairs of the party.
“Adolphus Wabara is no longer in the PDP; Abdulrahman is the current chairman of the PDP National Working Committee,” Wike stated during the briefing.
The FCT Minister also threw a direct challenge at Senator Tanimu Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, daring him to proceed with opening a bank account for the sale of PDP nomination forms.
Wike warned that such a move could attract serious legal and professional consequences, including the possible loss of Turaki’s prestigious SAN status.
“I challenge Turaki, SAN, to open an account for the sale of PDP forms—his silk will be stripped,” Wike said.
He argued that any attempt by the faction to create official financial structures for the sale of party forms would violate legal procedures governing political parties and corporate operations.
According to him, opening a valid account for party activities requires specific legal documents, including the party’s certificate of incorporation and authorisation from recognised party officials.
“Any bank that opens such an account will face consequences. Opening an account requires a certificate of incorporation, which is held by the party’s secretary,” he added.
Wike further cautioned financial institutions against dealing with the Turaki faction, stressing that banks facilitating such transactions could face sanctions for enabling activities he described as unlawful.
The minister also extended his warning to landlords and property owners within the Federal Capital Territory, urging them not to lease properties to individuals or groups seeking to establish offices for the disputed PDP faction.
He said any property owner who permits such activities would be considered complicit in aiding fraud and defying court orders.
“Any property owner in the FCT who allows Turaki and others to set up a PDP office for the sale of forms is facilitating fraud and defying a court judgment,” he warned.
Wike insisted that his administration remains committed to enforcing law and order in Abuja and would not hesitate to shut down any premises linked to activities considered illegal.
“I am here to uphold peace, and I will seal that property,” the minister declared firmly.
His comments come amid deepening internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of future political activities and preparations for upcoming elections.
The PDP has in recent months been engulfed in leadership disputes and factional struggles involving key stakeholders and party executives across different blocs.
Observers believe the latest confrontation reflects the ongoing battle for control of the party structure and political influence within the opposition party.
Wike, who has remained one of the most influential figures in the PDP despite his appointment in the APC-led Federal Government, has consistently taken strong positions on issues affecting the party’s leadership and internal administration.
Political analysts say his latest remarks signal a possible escalation in the power struggle between rival factions within the PDP, especially over legitimacy, party structures and control of nomination processes.
The controversy surrounding the sale of nomination forms and recognition of party leadership is expected to generate further legal and political debates in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, supporters of the various factions within the PDP continue to monitor developments closely as tensions within the opposition party persist.
The dispute has also raised concerns about the future stability of the PDP as it attempts to reposition itself ahead of future electoral contests.
For now, Wike has made it clear that the FCT administration will strictly enforce existing court rulings and take decisive action against any individual or group it considers to be operating outside the law within Abuja.
