The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike Monday rededicated himself to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying having been a loyal member since 1998, he would never leave the troubled party for any reason.
The party leader gave the assurance while giving a remark at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.
At the end of the NEC meeting, the party issued a communique tailored at repositioning it ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike, who congratulated the newly elected chairman of the party, Abdulrahman Mohammed and his team for their emergence at the last concluded National Convention further hailed them for taking steps to rnsure that the party reclaim its secretariat.
The minister noted: “What shows that you are the authentic PDP is because you are holding your meeting at the National Secretariat. If there is any other PDP, let them come to the national secretariat and hold their own meeting. So I want to sincerely thank you for that bold step you took, instead of us hiring hotels and other areas, you made sure that we reclaimed our national Secretariat. I thank you and members of your team.”
He noted further that no matter what and whatever that might have happened, members should always be committed to the party and it’s growth.
“Let me assure you, I’ll continue to support the party. I will continue to be loyal to the party. Since, 1998 till now, I’ve been a member of the PDP, and I will not leave the party. That is the truth of the matter.
“Let me use the opportunity to also say that all of us, having the debate, that for whatever that happens, we will continue to remain as members of the People’s Democratic Party. I know in life there must be a period of crisis. Nothing, nobody can say that in his family or her family, everything has been going on smoothly. No, sometimes it will be rough. It is the ability for you to withstand those challenges. I thank God. By grace of God, we have had our period of crisis. Now we are together to make sure this party moves forward.
“I want to commend all of you, the leaders, for being faithful and committed. In fact, for all temptation for you to have abandoned your party, you said no, that you continue to be here. I want to thank all of you. That shows people who are loyal, that shows you want to remain a member of this party. I thank you so much. Just like other speakers have said, now we are together, we must not stop at reconciliation, the more the merrier.
“So let us not say that have defected, let them go, No. Chairman and your team, make sure you put up a strong committee that will still go ahead and talk to those who have defected. And whatever is due to them, they will still have it. Most of them may have defected because of uncertainty.
“If like, I want to run an election, and I’m not sure who will sign my documents to be presented to INEC. So most people will definitely find where they can get succor. But now, if you go and talk to them, I believe they will have a rethink and continue to support this party,” Wike said.
On the myriad of litigations the party is contending with, Wike added: “Let us also assure those of you who have said, believing that matter is the court. I believe that our lawyers are doing great work, and I want to leave it for our lawyers, we are confident that our lawyers have been doing great work. God, who has led on this far, can never abandon us. So if God wanted to abandon us, we wouldn’t have started winning.
“So let me plead with the party, particularly the NWC to show difference, to show difference under what is to happen. Let’s be open and transparent. Let people know indeed were serious to correct some anomalies or mistakes that previous leadership may have made. Nobody is perfect. What will happen is that if there are people coming back, people will praise you that indeed you are doing for this party. But if people are not coming back, then we are going to ask some question, what are you doing? So I please want to plead with you. Show transparency, show openness, so that we’ll get whatever we want to get.”
Also speaking, the party’s national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, thanked all the state party chairmen and all leaders who went to their respective units and ensured that all members of PDP are registered before the closure of the INEC timetable for the registration.
Anyanwu at the meeting hinted that the party’s NEC has approved the timetable for the purchase of forms and then, of course, the primaries, which the NWC will announce in the near future.
On party moves toward reconciliation, the scribe added: “Please, first of all, there is only one political party, and I want the press to correct this impression.
“The press should correct this impression because we have not issued any statement suggesting otherwise, and you are also among those fuelling this issue by repeatedly referring to a Turaki-led party. Turaki is a member of PDP as of now; he remains a member of PDP until he resigns from the party. But there is only one leadership of the party under the leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara, and you have seen that the NWC has been inaugurated.
“We have held a convention, and that is why there is no faction within PDP, and I want the press to please take this very seriously.
“INEC has approved the party timetable. The timetable will soon be made available by the National Working Committee. We have our own programmes, but the framework has already been set by INEC, so the other aspects are left to the NWC.
“As for reconciliation, If you heard what the chairman said, he has thanked the former senate president, who has made efforts to unite almost all the members, leaders, and other critical stakeholders. In the next few days, we are going to set up a powerful committee comprising men and women of proven character and integrity to move zone by zone to bring people together.
“PDP as you can see has already been playing its opposition role. And If you mean engaging with government policies that are not friendly, we have what is called the People’s Democratic Institute. We do not simply go out attacking the government. We have to conduct our research and bring out issues that can be used to engage the government constructively. We do not just wake up one morning, go to the press, and start attacking the government. Our criticism is issue-based. And we can only do that through our research and opposition framework, which is the PDI.:
Meanwhile, the party has issued a communique at the end of its 108th NEC meeting.
While reeling it out on Monday, the party said critical issues concerning the Party were exhaustively deliberated upon, particularly in the aftermath of the Party’s National Convention and prevailing political developments within its structures.
After thorough deliberations, the NEC commended the National Working Committee (NWC) for its dedication, commitment, and proactive efforts in stabilizing the Party and providing purposeful leadership since the conclusion of the National Convention.
It reads further: “NEC expressed confidence in the capacity of the NWC to continue steering the affairs of the Party towards greater unity, growth, and electoral success.
“NEC emphasised that the PDP remains a strong, united, and formidable political party, firmly stating that it is not a party in distress. NEC declared that the era of uncertainty is over and reaffirmed that the PDP stands united as one big family.
“NEC further stressed the imperative of reconciliation, unity, and collective responsibility among all leaders, stakeholders, and members of the Party. It reiterated that the strength of the PDP lies in its ability to resolve internal disagreements through dialogue, mutual respect, and strict adherence to established Party structures and democratic principles.
“NEC underscored the importance of the continuous electronic membership registration (e-registration) exercise as a strategic initiative aimed at modernizing the Party’s membership database. NEC noted that this process will significantly enhance grassroots participation, improve transparency, and ensure efficiency in Party administration across all levels.
“NEC adopted the timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of Party primaries, including the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, in line with the revised schedule for the 2027 General Elections.
“NEC stressed the need for strict compliance with the approved timetable to ensure a transparent, credible, and hitch-free nomination process.
“NEC noted the proposed schedule of activities in accordance with the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including the submission of the Party’s Register of Members, conduct of primaries for various elective positions, and adherence to timelines for the resolution of disputes arising from such primaries.
“NEC directed all relevant organs of the Party to ensure full compliance with INEC regulations and guidelines.
“NEC urged all organs, leaders, and stakeholders of the Party at all levels to immediately commence the necessary preparations for the forthcoming state primaries.
“NEC emphasised the need for strict adherence to the approved timetable and schedule of activities, as well as compliance with all relevant statutory provisions to guarantee a credible, transparent, and inclusive process among others.”
