Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on key figures within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, accusing them of fraud and misconduct amid the party’s ongoing internal crisis.
Wike specifically criticised Seyi Makinde, Adolphus Wabara, Aminu Turaki, and Jerry Gana, alleging a pattern of fraudulent behaviour among them. Speaking during his monthly media parley in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike questioned the integrity of some party leaders and expressed concern over what he described as persistent “419” activities within the PDP.
He cited the past controversy involving Wabara, who resigned as Senate President in 2005 following allegations of financial impropriety, saying such history should raise concerns about his current role in party affairs. Wike also accused Jerry Gana of having questions to answer regarding alleged financial issues linked to the party, while criticising Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, over alleged conduct he described as unbecoming of his status.
The FCT minister further took aim at Makinde, expressing disappointment in the Oyo State governor, whom he said he had previously regarded as a rising figure, but now believes is involved in questionable dealings.
NewsBits reports that Wike’s remarks come amid the Supreme Court judgment over the leadership disputes in the PDP. Wike’s remark: “When will 419 stop? When will people stop being fraudulent?
“If you ask me why I am saying people should stop being fraudulent, I want you to give me time so I can explain this to you. You know Adolphus Wabara and his story? How did he leave office as the Senate President? What will they tell their children when they ask them questions?
“I want to be sure you know the background, and that’s why I asked. If you know his background, he left because of N50 million; his colleagues removed him for misappropriating money under education. A senator, that’s kind of the mistake PDP will make, or they have always made. A man with a question mark. The party he put in that trouble today have died because of that matter. He has now gone below N50 million. You now give him N5 million naira and he will arrange a meeting.
“Now, let me just tell you why it’s ‘419’. You know Professor Jerry Gana? Ask him about PDP’s $500 million.
You expect, even by that title, Professor,..
“Look at the one that says he’s a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Turaki. Do you know the meaning of senior advocate, not necessarily your own intelligence, there are lot of things expected of you.
“This one that went to court and apologized when the judge issued a warrant. A senior advocate disobeying a court… because of what? Affairs with women and this and that, and denying. A senior advocate.
“Now you’re forming an interim national committee. You went to court and the Federal High Court, Ibadan; we didn’t go to court. And again, that is why it baffles me. I thought that Seyi Makinde is a young boy, a young man growing. I never knew he is involved in these 419 things.”
