The Former Minister of Police Affairs and a People’s Democratic Party’s chieftain, Barrister Humphrey Abah has responded to ongoing internal tensions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and recent comments attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He emphasised that the party remains focused on strengthening its structure and organising effectively ahead of future elections, rather than being drawn into personal disputes or distractions.
Recall that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had earlier said during a media parley that the Supreme Court judgment had effectively ended the leadership crisis within the PDP, insisting that there was no longer any faction in the party and that the ruling had settled the dispute over its legitimate leadership structure.
” I would rather have my energy devoted to talking about how my party can organize to win elections,” Abah said.
Abah maintained that the PDP’s approach is guided by respect for due process and the rule of law, noting that the party prefers legal and constitutional mechanisms over confrontation or political force.
“Our position is that we are in a civilized society, and we do not want to walk by the force of strength—might is not right. So, I think it’s our position to take things systematically and ensure that we go through what the rules say,” he maintained.
Speaking on internal disputes in the PDP, he explained that the ongoing disputes are being handled through the courts, which he described as a slow but necessary process that requires patience and adherence to established procedures.
“It’s not powerlessness. We need to understand that we are going through a process that is full of landmines. And this process is going through the courts. Court time is not what you can do today and get a result tomorrow. So, it takes time to get adjudication through. I think that is where the challenges are. If we had started these litigations far before this time, by now we would have been through with all the litigation,” he said.
Abah reiterated that the PDP remains guided by its constitution and internal structures, stressing that the party has multiple recognised organs that are empowered to manage its affairs.
“Let me also bring to your attention that the NEC meeting was not just called out of praise overnight. It went through a constitutional process. INEC was given due notice as required by the constitution.
“We have other organs of the party that are statutory and are bigger than the 18-member NWC. We have the National Caucus, made up of retired former Heads of State and Presidents of the Senate. We have the National Executive Committee, which is constituted by almost 280 people. Some of them are life members. We have the Board of Trustees. You don’t just become a BOT member because I name you; it has an elective process,” he explained.
He maintained that while differing interpretations of court judgments exist within the party, his faction believes it is acting in line with the full scope of judicial rulings rather than selective readings.
“It’s a matter of interpretation. He is selectively reading those judgments to suit his position. We are reading holistically; we are not selecting,” he stressed.
According to him, the party is already taking appropriate internal steps to address disputes, and any further action being considered is being handled through established institutional channels rather than public confrontation or force.
“We are taking some steps already in trying to get the proper things done. We are waiting for responses. Those steps I don’t want to put in the public domain,” he said.
Insisting that the PDP remains a credible political alternative despite internal disagreements, Barrister Abah said its structure and national reach are still intact.
“We are a credible, rooted alternative. We are living in the present. Because you will be shocked as to what will happen when the election comes.”
He also He said enforcing the Supreme Court judgments would help the party move forward and restore stability.
“Enforcement of the judgments of the Supreme Court will help us to move forward,” he assured.
He added that those at odds with the party, including FCT Minister, Wike, are being encouraged to return and rejoin the fold.
“They are encouraged to come back to the fold. We are encouraged to them to come back to the fold,” he urged.
Responding to questions on what will determine the PDP’s stability, Abba said raw political power cannot resolve the party’s challenges, stressing that the courts and the implementation of their judgments remain central to restoring order.
“Raw political power doesn’t take you anywhere. We are a very civilized organization. So playing raw is going the opposite. I believe that the courts have taken positions, they’ve given judgments, and we are going by those judgments to implement them,” he said.
Favour Odima
Follow us on:
