Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the National Leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Friday pledged his full support and loyalty to the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP, urging party leaders to unite, reconcile aggrieved members and reposition the party for future electoral victories.
Wike made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the PDP national headquarters, Wadata House, Abuja, where he congratulated the new leadership on their emergence and charged them to rebuild the party after its recent internal crisis.
“My coming here this morning is to reassure you of my support… I have come here to pledge my support and my loyalty to all of you,” Wike said.
Acknowledging the challenges facing the party, the former Rivers State governor noted that although the PDP had endured a turbulent period, it was gradually stabilising.
“Yes, we have crisis, and we have almost come out of the crisis. It’s not going to be easy, but it requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice for you to move the party forward,” he stated.
He urged the NWC to focus on strengthening internal cohesion and reaching out to members who had left the party, noting that many defectors were still interested in returning.
“Do everything you can… interact with them. Send your powerful team to talk to them. Most of them are afraid whether they will get tickets or not you know what to do,” Wike added.
The minister also took a swipe at smaller political groups claiming opposition status, insisting that credibility as an opposition party must be earned through electoral performance.
“You cannot become an opposition party without winning an election… those who say they are leading the opposition have not contested any election successfully,” he said.
Wike further urged the party leadership not to be distracted by legal battles, expressing confidence that the PDP would prevail.
“We have defeated them at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. I believe the same God that led us to that point will also lead us through. Do not be distracted. Focus on your job and work as a team,” he said.
Responding, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, thanked Wike for his continued support and described his visit as a morale booster for the new leadership.
“We are going to do everything possible to lead the party to a higher level. We are not going to disappoint Nigerians,” Mohammed said.
He assured that the NWC would reposition the party and make it more competitive ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“PDP has come to stay and under my leadership, we will make ourselves available to aspirants and ensure we secure electoral victories in 2027,” he added.
Also speaking, National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, commended Wike for his contributions to the party, describing his visit as a demonstration of humility and commitment to the PDP’s growth.
The visit comes amid renewed efforts by the PDP leadership to stabilise the party and reassert its position as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.
