The Peoples Democratic Party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, has issued a stern warning to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike against any actions that could disrupt the party’s upcoming national convention scheduled for November in Ibadan.
Speaking in an interview with Punch, Osadolor addressed growing concerns that Wike’s ongoing disputes with party leaders, particularly Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, could threaten the convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Oyo State.
The PDP youth leader emphasized that the convention plans have been properly ratified through due process, noting that the party’s National Executive Committee had met with the Independent National Electoral Commission participating in deliberations that formally approved the Ibadan venue and dates.
“We are all aware that the convention has not been held. We are also aware that NEC held, and INEC participated in the last NEC, where resolutions on the convention that is going to hold in Ibadan on November 15 and 16 were taken, and they were duly notified,” Osadolor stated.
Responding to potential legal challenges that Wike’s faction might pursue, Osadolor reminded party members that the Supreme Court has consistently ruled that internal party matters are non-justiciable, making court intervention unlikely.
He referenced landmark Supreme Court decisions from earlier this year, including cases involving Anyanwu versus Southeast Leaders and disputes within the Labour Party concerning Julius Abure, which established that courts cannot interfere in political parties’ internal affairs.
“I wonder which court will now entertain the briefs on issues that border on the internal affairs of political parties, having heard from the Apex Court,” Osadolor questioned, suggesting that any legal action would be futile.
The deputy youth leader criticized Wike’s approach, accusing the FCT Minister of putting personal interests above the collective good of the party. “I think the FCT Minister is overreaching himself by wanting to put himself first and above the collective interests of the political party he claims to belong to,” he declared.
Osadolor called on all PDP members to support the party’s rebuilding efforts, emphasizing that individual actions cannot derail the organization’s progress following recent defections of governors and senators to other parties.
He stressed the party’s determination to proceed with its planned programs despite internal disagreements, stating that the PDP remains committed to conducting a successful convention that will install new national leadership.
“No matter who is going to court or who is not going to court, the programs of the party are set, and nothing will go against it,” Osadolor affirmed, projecting confidence in the party’s ability to overcome current challenges.
The warning comes amid escalating tensions within the PDP as various factions position themselves ahead of the crucial national convention, which is expected to reshape the party’s leadership structure and potentially influence its direction ahead of future elections.
The success of the Ibadan convention could prove critical for the PDP as it seeks to rebuild unity and present a stronger opposition front in Nigerian politics.
