ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared his strong interest in all activities of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, insisting that the party must remain firm and resist intimidation as it works to resolve its internal challenges.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during the 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the PDP, where he spoke extensively on the party’s legal battles, leadership structure and the need for grassroots mobilisation.
According to him, recent court decisions have effectively ended disputes over the party’s leadership, leaving opponents with no option but to recognise the PDP Caretaker Committee.
“Who will intimidate us? Some of us, by the grace of God, do not see what anyone can threaten us with. The legal battle has collapsed. They have no choice but to recognise the Caretaker Committee,” Wike said.
He noted that the next phase for the party would be the conduct of long-overdue congresses, which would eventually lead to the National Convention.
“We are waiting for the Caretaker Committee to give direction on the next steps, particularly to ensure that congresses that are already due are conducted. After that, we will proceed to the National Convention,” he stated.
Wike urged party members to return to the grassroots and stop treating the PDP as a charity organisation, stressing that electoral strength is built from the wards and polling units.
“Go to the wards, go to the polling units, go to the grassroots. This is not a charity organisation. Many people move from place to place without any political identity,” he said.
The former Rivers governor also dismissed claims that the party’s strength depends on the number of sitting governors it has, recalling that he emerged governor despite similar doubts in the past.
“Some people believe that if you do not have a sitting governor, then you are nothing. Who told them that? I was not a governor before I became governor. We told them we would become governors, and we did,” he added.
Describing the PDP as Nigeria’s strongest opposition party, Wike called on members to capitalise on its existing structure and experience.
“The PDP is too strong. We must capitalise on what we have and move forward,” he said.
While acknowledging peace appeals from the Board of Trustees and the National Working Committee, Wike warned that party leaders must remain vigilant against internal sabotage.
“People will be sent to destabilise you. Your adversary remains your adversary. They will not give up until they believe you are finished. But we will not be destroyed,” he warned.
He stressed that the party has experienced leaders capable of steering it through the process, including its Legal Adviser and National Organising Secretary.
“Experience matters. When we combine our collective experience, the results will speak for themselves,” Wike said.
Concluding his remarks, Wike reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s survival and success, stating: “I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in everything happening in Oyo State PDP. That is very important to me.”
