ABUJA, Nigeria — FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a blistering warning to banks and property owners in the federal capital, vowing to shut down any entity that facilitates the activities of the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Addressing the press on Wednesday, Wike dismissed the Turaki-led National Caretaker Committee as a “fraudulent” setup acting in defiance of recent court rulings. The Minister challenged the group to attempt to open a bank account for the sale of nomination forms, warning that any financial institution that complies will face severe consequences.
Specifically targeting the professional standing of the former Minister of Special Duties, Wike stated that Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), risks losing his professional title if he appends his signature to any official party document under the current disputed structure. “If Turaki puts his name and signature on a bank account, he will be de-robed as a SAN,” Wike declared, framing the faction’s actions as a violation of professional ethics.
The Minister also extended his warning to Abuja landlords and property developers. He stated that any building used as a secretariat or headquarters for the faction would be seized by the FCT administration. Wike maintained that such use constitutes an act of fraud, as the law only recognises the leadership structure supported by his camp following the April 30 Supreme Court judgment.
The PDP remains deeply divided between the faction backed by Wike and the group supported by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed. With this latest ultimatum, the battle for the soul of the main opposition party has moved from the courtroom to the streets of Abuja, placing banks and property owners directly in the line of fire.
