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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that loyalists have regained control of the Peoples Democratic Party, in a strong statement that underscores deepening divisions within the opposition party.
Speaking at the PDP’s 10th Elective National Convention in Abuja, Wike described the gathering as a turning point, insisting it marked a fresh beginning for the party after months of internal crisis.
“Today marks the rebirth of our party in a new form. Today is the birth of a united party, ready to move forward,” he said, pointing to the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission as validation of the process.
He added, “We have seen the convention monitored by the electoral umpire which also tells you the importance of this gathering.”
Wike took a direct swipe at defecting governors and opposition figures, accusing them of lacking the courage required in moments of crisis.
“Leadership is not easy. It requires courage, firmness and commitment… when crises arise, true leaders stand and resolve them; they do not run away,” he said.
In a pointed comparison, he criticised a former Labour Party presidential candidate, saying, “That candidate was given a platform… yet when a crisis arose… he could not, and failed to provide that leadership.”
He continued, “In the same way… when crises emerged… they ran away. That tells you who can truly stand firm in difficult times.”
Declaring victory over internal struggles, Wike said, “More importantly, we have reclaimed and returned the party to its rightful owners, the people.”
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Despite his tough stance, he extended an olive branch to aggrieved members, urging them to return under a framework of unity and discipline.
“Our brothers and sisters who may have left should return and join us in rebuilding this party for the collective good. No one will be excluded,” he said.
Earlier, the party’s Acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, cautioned against personal ambition, stressing the need for collective survival.
“No ambition is greater than this party. No office is worth the weakening of this platform,” he said, urging members to embrace unity over division.
Also speaking, former Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, warned that failure to reconcile could prove fatal for the party.
“The duty of genuine reconciliation within our party is not optional; it is fundamental,” he said.
In a similar vein, former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, appealed to defectors to return, invoking the party’s historical role in national unity.
“Where was the PDP in 1998?… What were the vision, the dream, and the wisdom of the founders?” he asked, urging reflection and renewed commitment.
The convention, held amid visible factional tensions, signals a critical phase for the PDP as it attempts to rebuild cohesion and position itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
