Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday said opposition credibility in Nigeria must be built on electoral success rather than rhetoric or political alliances, as he pledged loyalty to the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike made this known during a courtesy visit to the party’s national headquarters, Wadata House, Abuja, where he dismissed claims by smaller political groups presenting themselves as leading opposition forces.
“You cannot become an opposition party without winning an election. Those who say they are leading the opposition have not contested any election successfully,” he said.
His comments come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The FCT minister said his visit was aimed at demonstrating support for the party’s new leadership and encouraging unity as the PDP works to recover from its internal crisis.
“My coming here is to reassure you of my support. I have come to pledge my loyalty to the National Working Committee,” he stated.
Wike acknowledged the challenges facing the party but said it was gradually overcoming its internal issues.
“Yes, we have crisis, and we have almost come out of it. It will require hard work and sacrifice to move the party forward,” he said.
He urged the NWC to focus on reconciliation, particularly by reaching out to members who had defected but still maintain interest in the party.
“Reach out to them. Most are concerned about opportunities, including tickets. You know what to do,” Wike advised.
The minister also warned against distractions, especially ongoing legal disputes, expressing confidence in the party’s chances in court.
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“We have defeated them at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. The same God will see us through. Stay focused and work as a team,” he added.
In his response, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, said the new leadership would reposition the party and rebuild public trust.
“We have capable hands and we are determined to lead the party to a higher level. We will not disappoint Nigerians,” he said.
Mohammed added that the PDP remains a strong platform for national leadership and would intensify efforts to secure electoral victories in 2027.
Also speaking, National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, said Wike’s visit had boosted the morale of the party’s leadership.
The visit highlights renewed efforts within the PDP to strengthen its position as a major opposition party amid shifting alliances.
The development follows events of April 12, 2026, when a faction of the PDP led by Wike took control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja after it was reopened by the police.
The party has been dealing with a prolonged internal crisis, which escalated on November 18, 2025, when rival factions clashed at its national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
After months of legal disputes, the Court of Appeal on March 9 ruled in favour of the Wike-backed faction, nullifying the November 16 Ibadan convention supported by some governors.
About five months later, the faction aligned with Abdulrahman Mohammed announced that the police had unsealed both Wadata Plaza and Legacy House national offices in Abuja.