The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, cannot face disciplinary action over alleged anti-party activities without a formal petition supported by evidence.
The party’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, made the clarification in Abuja on Monday.
He noted that although the National Executive Committee (NEC) has set up a disciplinary committee, no member has been sanctioned so far due to the absence of official complaints.
The committee, chaired by elder statesman Chief Tom Ikimi with former PDP governorship candidate in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede as secretary, was constituted to investigate infractions and recommend sanctions where necessary.
“People often ask me specifically about the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike — why don’t we discipline him?
“Why don’t we take action? I tell them: It is not enough to merely say someone has committed an offence,” Osuoha said.
He explained that for disciplinary proceedings to commence, a formal petition must be filed, and the petitioner must be prepared to testify and present evidence when the accused is summoned.
“When that petition is written and presented, the petitioner must also be ready to come and testify. If the person accused is invited, you must come with your evidence,” he added.
Calls for Wike’s sanction have intensified in recent months. A 2023 presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has urged the PDP to enforce stricter discipline, while the North East Unity Forum similarly demanded action against the FCT Minister, whom it described as a “self-serving politician.” The group stressed that restoring discipline within the party is essential to regaining its former influence.
Osuoha, however, suggested that the challenges facing the PDP’s disciplinary system mirror broader issues within Nigeria’s legal and political framework.
“This is the same problem with our wider Nigerian system. It is not just about pointing out anomalies; the challenge is following them up to a conclusion,” he noted.
The party’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, made the clarification in Abuja on Monday.
He noted that although the National Executive Committee (NEC) has set up a disciplinary committee, no member has been sanctioned so far due to the absence of official complaints.
The committee, chaired by elder statesman Chief Tom Ikimi with former PDP governorship candidate in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede as secretary, was constituted to investigate infractions and recommend sanctions where necessary.
“People often ask me specifically about the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike — why don’t we discipline him?
“Why don’t we take action? I tell them: It is not enough to merely say someone has committed an offence,” Osuoha said.
He explained that for disciplinary proceedings to commence, a formal petition must be filed, and the petitioner must be prepared to testify and present evidence when the accused is summoned.
“When that petition is written and presented, the petitioner must also be ready to come and testify. If the person accused is invited, you must come with your evidence,” he added.
Calls for Wike’s sanction have intensified in recent months. A 2023 presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has urged the PDP to enforce stricter discipline, while the North East Unity Forum similarly demanded action against the FCT Minister, whom it described as a “self-serving politician.” The group stressed that restoring discipline within the party is essential to regaining its former influence.
Osuoha, however, suggested that the challenges facing the PDP’s disciplinary system mirror broader issues within Nigeria’s legal and political framework.
“This is the same problem with our wider Nigerian system. It is not just about pointing out anomalies; the challenge is following them up to a conclusion,” he noted.