…Threatens banks, property owners over Turaki-led faction
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has escalated the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that any building in Abuja used as the headquarters of the faction led by Tanimu Turaki will be sealed-off, while banks that facilitate its financial activities risk facing sanctions.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing yesterday, Wike issued a strong warning to financial institutions against opening accounts for the Turaki-led faction for the sale of nomination forms ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that such actions would amount to aiding illegality.
He accused the faction of attempting to defraud Nigerians by operating outside the recognised structure of the party and warned that both institutions and individuals involved would be held accountable. “That bank will be in trouble. Let Turaki, as a Senior Advocate, go and open an account in the name of PDP. I dare him to do so and tell Nigerians where to pay money for PDP forms”, he stated.
The FCT Minister also warned property owners against allowing their premises to be used as what he described as an illegal PDP secretariat, vowing swift action against any such property. “To any house that allows them to defraud Nigerians, I will take that house. I will seal it off. I will never allow any breach of peace”, he said.
Wike maintained that the faction lacks the legal authority to function as a legitimate party structure, arguing that its members were disregarding court rulings while presenting themselves as recognised leaders of the PDP.
According to him, the crisis stems from individuals refusing to respect judicial decisions and pursuing political activities despite pending appeals. “The only way you can stop people who want to be criminals is by applying the law,” he said, defending his hardline stance.
He also dismissed claims that the PDP had ceased to exist amid its internal leadership crisis, insisting that the party remains active and functional across the country. “It may not exist in the eyes of some people, but in reality, people have bought forms, elections are ongoing, and the party is contesting”, Wike said.
On the issue of the party’s leadership, Wike identified AbdulRahman as the current chairman, stating that he remains in charge of the National Working Committee (NWC) and represents the legitimate structure of the party.
He further argued that any legitimate party account must be backed by official documentation, particularly the party’s certificate of incorporation, which he said is not in the possession of the Turaki-led faction. “For you to open an account, you must have the certificate of incorporation. Who has it? The secretary of the party. Let any bank try it — that bank will be in trouble”, he warned.
Wike concluded by insisting that his intervention was not about personal interest in the PDP’s internal affairs, but about preserving law, order, and stability in the Federal Capital Territory. You cannot do what you like. You must obey the law. I will enforce it. I will not allow any breach of peace in Abuja”, he said.
