…you claim to support the PDP while simultaneously organising meetings in Ibadan in pursuit of a coalition.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Doherty, has reacted to the recent Supreme Court judgment, describing it as timely and in line with expectations.
He stated that the party would no longer tolerate internal dissent, warning that strict disciplinary measures would be taken against members perceived as destabilising forces.
According to him, the party may take action against Bode George if he continues to publicly criticise Nyesom Wike.
“We will not hesitate to expel Chief Bode George from his ward and local government in Lagos State if he persists in attacking Wike in the media. Enough is enough,” he said.
Doherty also revisited events leading up to the controversial South-West convention, which he said was championed by Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State. He claimed he had earlier warned that the exercise would weaken the party.
He argued that the convention did not follow the PDP’s constitutional procedures, which require that ward, local government, and state congresses be completed before a national convention is held. He likened Makinde’s actions to a biblical story where a woman suggested splitting a child, driven by ulterior motives.
Further criticising aggrieved party members, Doherty said they failed to seek reconciliation with Wike after the Appeal Court ruling and instead pursued the matter to the Supreme Court, despite tight timelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He expressed particular dissatisfaction with Governor Makinde, accusing him of previously interfering in his political ambitions in 2019.
“No serious political party would accommodate Makinde. You claim to support the PDP while simultaneously organising meetings in Ibadan in pursuit of a coalition. That is contradictory,” he said.
Despite the ongoing defections and internal disputes, Doherty maintained that the PDP’s future remains promising, especially with recent legal victories.
“The court process may be tough, but it has helped to put an end to the so-called factionalisation within the party,” he added.
He also dismissed claims by Adolphus Wabara, former Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, who reportedly suggested that the Supreme Court ruling upheld the suspension of some party officials, including Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Doherty argued that the apex court merely struck out the appeal and questioned the basis of Wabara’s interpretation.
“How can anyone claim there was no winner when the court nullified the Ibadan convention?” he queried.
He further criticised senior party figures for what he described as inconsistent positions, questioning their influence on younger members.
According to him, the PDP constitution does not grant the Board of Trustees authority to take over party leadership during crises, contrary to claims by some leaders.
He also pointed to recent defections, including that of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and hinted that Makinde might follow suit.
“If they truly believe in the PDP, they would stay and work together to rebuild it instead of leaving,” he concluded.
