The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing his recent remarks against party chieftain Olabode George as “baseless, reckless and ignorant.”

In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday signed by the Lagos State PDP Publicity Secretary, Prince Dr. Christopher Odianarewo, the party accused the minister of making unfounded allegations against George and urged him to focus on his responsibilities in the FCT rather than engaging in what it described as political attacks.

The party defended George’s record, insisting that he had been exonerated by the Supreme Court over allegations relating to his tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Board. It accused Wike of disregarding judicial decisions whenever they did not align with his political interests.

The statement also faulted Wike’s comments regarding George’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, describing them as an abuse of office and an unwarranted intrusion into the private affairs of a citizen.

According to the PDP, Wike had no connection to the property and should not use his position as FCT minister to intimidate or target private individuals. It further alleged that the minister had a history of overstepping his authority and interfering in matters outside his official responsibilities.

On Lagos politics, the party accused Wike of lacking an understanding of the state’s political history. It maintained that George played a significant role in the PDP’s electoral successes in the South while serving as the party’s National Vice Chairman (South), adding that Wike was politically less influential at the time.

The statement also referenced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, claiming he had previously acknowledged the role internal party dynamics played in the PDP’s electoral fortunes in Lagos.

The Lagos PDP further accused Wike of political inconsistency, alleging that he had fallen out with several former political associates, including Peter Odili, Rotimi Amaechi and Goodluck Jonathan.

It argued that Wike had developed a reputation for political confrontations and suggested that his current relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was one of political convenience.

The party called on the minister to refrain from making further remarks against George, urging him instead to concentrate on administering the Federal Capital Territory.

“Focus on your responsibilities in the FCT and stop dragging Chief Bode George into political controversies,” the statement said.