The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over threats to seal the secretariats of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Tanimu Turaki amid the party’s internal disputes. In a Thursday statement posted on the association’s official X handle, the……
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over threats to seal the secretariats of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Tanimu Turaki amid the party’s internal disputes.
In a Thursday statement posted on the association’s official X handle, the NBA disclosed that its National Executive Council adopted a resolution which raised concerns against the Minister’s statement during its meeting held on Thursday in Akwa, Anambra State.
TVC News Online on Wednesday reported that Wike declared he will seal off any house that is used as a secretariat by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike stated this while addressing journalists during a media parley monitored live by TVC News Online on Wednesday.
The Minister insisted that the Supreme Court has recognised Abdulrahman Mohammed as the Chairman of the PDP, noting that the activities of the Turaki-led faction in selling nomination forms are fraudulent and can only be stopped through lawful means.
Wike explained that opening an account in the name of a party to receive payment for nomination forms requires a certificate of incorporation, noting that the duly recognised party secretary has the prerogative to discharge such responsibilities.
The statement reads, “The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), at its meeting held today in Awka, Anambra State, adopted a resolution cautioning the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, against statements suggesting the sealing of bank premises or secretariats over internal political disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”
“Adopting the NBA President’s report, NEC noted with concern public statements attributed to the Minister threatening that any faction of the PDP operating a separate secretariat or opening bank accounts outside the recognised structure would have such premises sealed.”
The Council emphasised that while political parties may experience internal disputes, the resolution of such disputes must occur strictly within the framework of the law and through constitutionally recognised institutions and procedures.
NEC stated unequivocally that no public office holder possesses unilateral authority to seal private premises, organisations, or institutions except pursuant to lawful procedures, judicial authorisation, and clearly established statutory powers.
The Council warned that public pronouncements capable of conveying threats of extra-legal action or executive overreach undermine constitutional governance and risk eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.
NEC therefore called on FCT minister and all public office holders to exercise restraint in both conduct and public communication, and to remain guided at all times by the Constitution, the rule of law, and the principles of democratic accountability.
