The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has issued a strongly worded statement warning that Nigeria’s democracy is facing “growing and escalating threats” from both the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the recent actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a press conference held on Monday, the group accused Wike of abusing his office, destabilizing political structures, and attempting to impose his personal agenda on democratic processes nationwide. They also criticized INEC for what they described as an “alarming posture” in its handling of the outcomes of the recently concluded PDP National Convention in Ibadan.
According to the NDYC, Wike’s “intrusive interference,” alleged intimidation tactics, and “obsession with political control” pose a danger to national unity and democratic order. The group argued that the Minister’s conduct is “unbecoming of a federal leader” and is eroding public confidence in government institutions.
The National Coordinator of the NDYC, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently caution the FCT Minister, stating that federal office “is not a weapon for political intimidation.”
Beyond Wike, the youth group also expressed strong concerns about the posture of INEC regarding its recognition of party leadership emerging from the Ibadan Convention. The NDYC queried the Commission’s alleged reluctance to recognise Kabiru Turaki as the duly elected PDP National Chairman, instead appearing to favour the former acting chairman, Umar Damagum.
They warned that any perception of bias or selective recognition by INEC “undermines internal party democracy” and may open the door to external manipulation. The group urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to stay above political influence and ensure that the Commission remains strictly impartial.
The statement emphasized that Wike’s political style should not be mistaken as representative of the Niger Delta region, noting that his approach “does not reflect the values or aspirations” of the people.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the NDYC declared that Nigeria is “bigger than any individual” and insisted that both public officials and institutions must be held accountable for actions that threaten constitutional order.
The statement was signed by Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC).