PDP explains why Nyesom Wike hasn’t been sanctioned over anti-party claims—no formal petition or evidence submitted, says Deputy National Legal Adviser
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified why it has not sanctioned Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, over allegations of anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections.
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According to the party’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha, no disciplinary action can be taken against Wike or any member unless a formal petition backed with evidence is submitted to the party’s Disciplinary Committee.
“It is not enough to merely say someone has committed an offence. A formal petition has to be submitted to the disciplinary committee,” Osuoha said during a media briefing in Abuja.
Osuoha revealed that although the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had established a disciplinary committee led by elder statesman Chief Tom Ikimi, no member has been prosecuted or sanctioned to date due to a lack of formal petitions.
“People often ask me specifically about the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike — why don’t we discipline him? I tell them a case cannot be opened without a petition,” he said.
The committee, which also includes Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) as secretary, was set up to address party infractions at all levels, regardless of the status of the individual involved.
Osuoha emphasized that party members making accusations must be ready to testify and provide evidence when the accused is invited by the disciplinary committee.
“When that petition is written and presented, the petitioner must also be ready to come and testify. It is not enough to make general allegations,” he added.
The legal adviser pointed out that the situation reflects wider systemic issues in Nigerian politics, where there is often a lack of follow-through on allegations.
“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,” Osuoha remarked.
Nyesom Wike has been at the center of ongoing tension within the PDP, especially after he openly supported opposition candidates in the 2023 elections and accepted a ministerial role in the APC-led federal government.
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Many party members have repeatedly called for his suspension or expulsion. However, as Osuoha has now made clear, no action can be taken without due process — a formal, evidence-backed petition.
