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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to focus on internal rebuilding by reconnecting with aggrieved members and restoring confidence in the party’s structure ahead of future elections.
Wike made the call during a visit to the party’s National Working Committee at its Wadata Plaza headquarters in Abuja, where he pledged support for the leadership and stressed the need for deliberate efforts to reposition the PDP.
“After the judgment of the Federal High Court that directed that the police should vacate and give you protection for you to resume activities in the official building of the Peoples Democratic Party, I can see the work that has taken place. That shows that you are ready to kick-start daily activities. Let me also congratulate you on taking that bold initiative.”
He said his visit was aimed at reinforcing unity within the party, noting that post-election periods often require renewed commitment from members.
“My coming here this morning is to reassure you of my support for the members of the National Working Committee. Yes, elections have been held. After elections, you will need the support of every party member, morally and otherwise. And so, I’ve come here to pledge my support and my loyalty to all of you.”
Wike acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing the PDP, admitting that recovery from its recent internal crisis would require sustained effort and sacrifice.
“Yes, we had a crisis, and we have almost come out of the crisis. It is not going to be easy. It requires a lot of hard work. It requires a lot of sacrifice for you to move the party forward.”
He encouraged the leadership to rely on experienced party members while introducing programmes that can rebuild grassroots support.
“Continue to bring out programmes that will continue to make the party popular.”
On the broader political landscape, Wike maintained that the PDP remains the country’s leading opposition party, insisting that such a position must be backed by electoral performance.
“Yes, today we are not in government, but this is the main opposition party as far as this country is concerned. You cannot become a main opposition party without winning elections.”
He dismissed claims by smaller parties seeking to assume that role, pointing to their limited electoral success.
“So those who say that they are leading the opposition have never contested in any election. The one they contested is the Abuja Municipal Area Council; they could not get one councillor. So, how can they be the leading opposition party?”
Wike also criticised what he described as inconsistent reactions to political defections.
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“They are claiming that people are defecting to their party, and that’s how they become the leading opposition. Yet again, they criticise people who are defecting to other parties that is wrong but those defecting to their own party that is right.”
He then urged the party to take concrete steps to bring back former members who left during the crisis.
“I also want to urge you to do what you can to bring back our members who have defected, thinking that the party would no longer come back. Make sure you attract them back into the fold, talk to them, and send a powerful team to interact with them.”
According to him, uncertainty over political opportunities has been a key driver of defections, a concern the leadership must address directly.
“Most of them are afraid if they will get a ticket or not. You know what to do. I am sure that Nigerians will prefer this party to all of those who are shouting.”
In his response, PDP National Chairman, Abduraham Mohammed, described the visit as significant and assured that the new leadership is committed to rebuilding the party and preparing for future contests.
“We thank you for making everything possible for the PDP to have a platform today. On behalf of the National Working Committee, I want to assure you that we have capable men and women in the composition of the Working Committee, and we will do everything possible to lead the party to a higher level.”
He added that the party would work to regain public trust and electoral strength.
“We are not going to disappoint Nigerians. This is the hope of our teeming supporters across the 36 states and the FCT.”
Mohammed also pledged support for aspirants ahead of the next general elections.
“The PDP has come to stay, and under my leadership, we will make ourselves available to our teeming aspirants and those who will emerge as candidates, to ensure that we win elective positions in the 2027 general election.”
PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, also commended Wike’s contributions, describing his support as critical to the party’s stability and visibility in recent times.
The meeting reflects early efforts by the PDP to stabilise after internal divisions, with attention now shifting to rebuilding trust and strengthening its political base nationwide.
