The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the ongoing elective National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the legitimate gathering of the party, duly recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking at the convention in Abuja, Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, commended party members for their resilience and unwavering belief in the PDP as a vehicle for national development. He noted that the party’s survival and future growth depend largely on the sacrifices of its members and the strength of its leadership.
According to him, true leadership must be rooted in selflessness and commitment to collective progress. “Leadership must not be selfish,” he said. “Leaders must be willing to sacrifice for their followers in order to achieve meaningful development.”
Wike criticised politicians who have defected from the PDP, accusing them of lacking the capacity to provide leadership during challenging times. He took a swipe at former party members who, he said, benefited from the PDP’s platform but abandoned it during moments of crisis.
“Those who sought positions using our platform turned their backs when challenges arose,” he stated. “Such actions reflect a lack of leadership and commitment.”
The FCT Minister also issued a strong warning to defectors who left the party with electoral mandates, insisting that such mandates rightfully belong to the PDP. He vowed that the party would take necessary steps to reclaim them.
“All those who took the mandate of the PDP and defected will be dealt with,” Wike declared. “The mandate will be recovered.”
He further criticised some state governors, suggesting that their response to political pressure raises concerns about their ability to withstand national challenges. Despite his criticisms, Wike acknowledged the achievements of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the 2027 general elections would be a test of performance for all political actors.
“2027 will be about showing your report card,” he said. “If you have nothing to show, no one will shield you.”
Wike urged party members to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the PDP remains strong and relevant. He also extended an olive branch to aggrieved members, encouraging them to return and contribute to rebuilding and repositioning the party.
The convention has drawn significant participation, with 2,415 delegates accredited to vote out of an expected 2,527, signalling strong engagement in the party’s internal democratic process.
