By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prioritise reconciliation and bring back members that have defected to other political parties.
Wike, the national leader of the party, made the call when he visited the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led NWC at the National Secretariat, Wadata House, in Abuja on Friday.
He also urged the party leaders to initiate programmes that would make the party attractive to Nigerians.
“I also want to urge you to do what you can to bring back our members who have defected to other political parties, thinking that PDP will not bounce back.
“Make sure you attract them back into the fold, talk to them, send a powerful team to interact with them. Most of them are afraid whether they will get a ticket or not.
“You know what to do. I am sure that Nigerians will prefer PDP than all of those parties that are shouting here and there” he said.
Wike congratulated the new NWC members on their victory at the recently concluded national convention in Abuja, pledging his continued support to the party and the leaders.
He also commended the party leadership for the ongoing renovation works at the party’s national secretariat.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a judgment of the Federal High Court had directed the police to vacate the office premises and gave the Mohammed-led NWC the needed protection to resume at the building.
“My coming here this morning is to reassure you and other members of the NWC of my support.
“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.
“We had a crisis, and we have almost come out of it. It is not going to be easy. It requires a lot of hard work and a lot of sacrifice for you to move the party forward.
“I know that you have old hands that will guide you and give you all the necessary support. Continue to bring out programmes that will continue to make the party popular,” Wike said.
The Minister dismissed claims by smaller political groups, positioning themselves as leading opposition voices, insisting that performance at the polls remains the true test of relevance.
He maintained that the PDP, though not in government today, remains the main opposition party in the country.
“You cannot become the main opposition party without winning an election. So those who say that they are the leading opposition have never contested in any election.
“The one they contested is the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) election and they could not win even a counselor. So, how can they be the leading opposition party?
“They are claiming that people are defecting to their party, thereby making them the leading opposition and yet, they criticize politicians who are defecting to other parties and condemn those defecting to other parties. That is wrong,” he said.
In his remarks, Mohammed assured Wike that the new leadership would reposition the party and would not disappoint Nigerians.
He stressed that the PDP remains a viable platform for national leadership and would intensify efforts to secure electoral victories in 2027.
“We thank you for making everything possible for the PDP to have a platform today.
“On behalf of the NWC, I want to assure you that we have capable hands of men and women in the composition of the working committee and we will do everything possible to lead the party to a higher level.
“We are not going to disappoint Nigerians. This is the hope of our teeming supporters across the 36 states and FCT.
“PDP has come to stay and under my leadership, we will make ourselves available to our teeming aspirants and those that will emerge as candidates, to ensure that we win elective positions in the 2027 general election,” Mohammed said
He commended Wike for the visit and support to the party saying, “you have done enough for our great party and each and every one that is fair to the PDP must attest to that.”
Also speaking, the National Secretary of the party, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, also commended Wike’s continued support, describing his visit as a “significant boost” to the morale of the party’s leadership.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike was received by all NEC members of the party, and other party leaders from the state chapters. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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