The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified that former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, cannot face sanctions for alleged anti-party activities unless a formal petition is submitted with evidence to support the claims.
This was disclosed by the party’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Mr. Okechukwu Osuoha, during a statement in Abuja on Monday.
Osuoha explained that while the PDP’s National Executive Committee has established a disciplinary committee led by Chief Tom Ikimi, with Eyitayo Jegede serving as secretary, no sanctions have been imposed on any member so far due to the absence of officially filed complaints.
“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 stated.
He noted that for disciplinary proceedings to commence, an accuser must submit a formal petition and 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 said.
Osuoha also noted that challenges with enforcing disciplinary measures are not unique to the PDP but reflect broader systemic issues within Nigeria’s political and legal frameworks.
“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 remarked.
The statement underscores the party’s stance on due process and the need for credible evidence before taking disciplinary actions against its members.
