ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday fired a warning to aspirants seeking elective offices on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that political power is never handed over on a platter and must be fought for.
Speaking at the party’s 109th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Wike urged PDP members preparing for the 2027 general elections to brace for intense political battles rather than expecting easy victories.
“Power is not given; power is taken. Nobody is ready to dash you power. You must struggle for it, fight for it and be prepared for the challenges that come with it,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor criticised what he described as a growing culture of entitlement among some politicians, saying many had become accustomed to “food-is-ready politics” where others do the hard work while they reap the rewards.
“Some of you are used to people preparing everything for you to come and eat. Politics does not work that way. A time comes when you must face challenges and prove your worth,” Wike stated.
Drawing from his political experience, the minister recalled that his rise through the ranks of politics was marked by fierce contests and legal battles, including a local government chairmanship election that eventually ended at the Supreme Court.
“I never got anything on a platter of gold. When I don’t see challenges, I know something is wrong. But when I see challenges, I know success is near,” he said.
Wike advised governorship aspirants and other party candidates to prepare for rigorous campaigns and political struggles, stressing that victory would only be meaningful when earned through hard work and sacrifice.
“If you are not ready to struggle for power, then say so. When you work for it and eventually get it, you appreciate its value. But when it is handed to you, you may never understand what it truly means,” he added.
The FCT minister also reminded PDP members that the party was no longer in control at the federal level and should therefore abandon the mindset they had while in power.
“We were like spoiled children when PDP was in government. Today, our father is sick. We must not abandon him; we must work harder to restore him,” he said.
On preparations for the 2027 elections, Wike urged every party leader and member to contribute meaningfully to the PDP’s electoral fortunes instead of merely attending meetings.
“Everybody must bring something to the table in 2027. If you produce a House of Representatives member, you have done something. If you produce a House of Assembly member, you have done something.
“This is not a place for empty hands. Politics is about results,” he declared.
Wike further cautioned party members against introducing religious sentiments into politics, insisting that elections should be driven by strategy, mobilisation and grassroots engagement rather than faith-based considerations.
He also dismissed concerns over claims by the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP faction that it would sponsor candidates for elective offices in 2027, insisting that the party leadership remained focused and prepared.
“As far as I am concerned, what matters is who gets access to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s portal for candidate nominations. We are not afraid. Let them continue going to court while we prepare for elections,” he said.
The minister maintained that litigation would not distract the party from its preparations, adding that PDP members should remain focused on rebuilding the party and winning elections.
He equally urged party faithful not to succumb to intimidation, harassment or fear.
“Use me as an example. There is nothing I have not seen in politics. I have faced intimidation and all kinds of pressure, yet I am still standing.
“Anybody who is not serious about politics should leave. Politics is not for the faint-hearted,” Wike declared.
The NEC meeting brought together PDP governors, members of the National Working Committee, lawmakers and other party stakeholders as the opposition party continues efforts to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
