‘Any Bank That Opens Account For Turaki-Led PDP Will Be In Trouble’ — Wike Threatens Clampdown, Vows To Seal Properties Used As ‘Illegal’ Secretariat

Abuja, Nigeria– The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a warning to financial institutions and individuals allegedly backing a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that any bank that facilitates the opening of an account for the sale of nomination forms by a Turaki-led group will face severe consequences.

Wike, speaking during a heated media parley with journalists, did not mince words as he accused the group of attempting to defraud Nigerians under the guise of party activities.

He vowed that both institutions and individuals involved would be held accountable under the law.

“That bank will be in trouble,” Wike said emphatically. “Let Turaki, as a Senior Advocate, go and open an account in the name of PDP. That day, that silk will move. I dare him — let him open an account and tell Nigerians this is where to pay money for PDP forms.”

The FCT Minister further warned that any property used as an illegal PDP headquarters by the faction would be sealed off without hesitation.

“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 the peace,” he said.

Wike described the actions of the faction as fraudulent, insisting that the ongoing controversy stems from individuals ignoring court rulings while attempting to operate as legitimate party leaders.

“No, you can’t stop people who want to be criminals. The only way you can stop them is by applying the law,” he said.

When pressed by journalists over his strong language — including referring to members of the faction as “criminals” and “419” — Wike stood his ground, citing legal precedents.

“I’m telling you here — what removed Senator Wabara from office? It’s not because of the $50 million appropriation, but because of antecedents. He went to court. See the court judgment,” Wike argued.

He continued: “Why am I saying you are a criminal? You went to court, judgment was against you, you have gone on appeal, yet you refuse to wait for the outcome. Now you claim the Supreme Court said something, and suddenly the Board of Trustees (BOT) has taken over. Is it not fraud? You are going to sell forms — that is duping Nigerians.”

The minister also reacted to questions regarding his earlier stance that there were no factions in the PDP despite recent Supreme Court pronouncements.

“That’s a responsible party person,” Wike said tersely, defending his position.

When asked whether the PDP still exists amid the crisis, Wike dismissed claims of the party’s collapse.

“I take exception — that is a strong word to say PDP does not exist. It may not exist in the eyes of some media stations, but in reality, people have bought forms,” he said.

“In my state, we are contesting governorship, senatorial, and House of Assembly elections. Go and verify those who have picked up forms. When you say it does not exist, it depends on what you are looking for.”

On the question of who currently leads the PDP, Wike identified AbdulRahman as the chairman, stating that he heads the National Working Committee (NWC).

“AbdulRahman is the chairman of the party. He is leading the NWC. I am here to help and support them,” he said.

However, he maintained that his support does not extend to illegitimate structures or actions.

“All I am saying — which some people don’t want to hear — is that Nigerians should ask: can they open a PDP office? Can they open a PDP secretariat? Can they provide an account for members to pay for forms?” he asked.

Wike stressed that opening a legitimate party account requires proper documentation, including a certificate of incorporation, which he claimed is not in the possession of the faction.

“For you to open an account, you must have the certificate of incorporation. Who has it? The secretary of the party,” he said.

“Let any bank try it — that bank will be in trouble. The person opening the account will also answer. Let Turaki put his name as a signatory — we will see if he will not be called to order.”

The minister concluded by reiterating his commitment to maintaining law and order in the FCT, warning that he would not tolerate any actions capable of destabilizing the territory.

“PDP has nothing to do with me personally. Anybody who knows me knows I am not here for anything else but to maintain peace,” Wike said.

“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.”