Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a direct challenge to smaller political parties positioning themselves as the vanguard of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that credibility as an opposition force can only be built through winning at the polls, not through rhetoric or hastily assembled coalitions.
Wike made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the PDP’s national headquarters in Abuja, where he formally pledged loyalty to the party’s newly elected National Working Committee and called on the leadership to stay focused amid the legal battles and political realignments swirling around the organisation.
“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, in remarks widely interpreted as a rebuke of parties that have recently sought to position themselves as credible alternatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Wike acknowledged that the PDP had endured a bruising period of internal crisis but expressed confidence that the party was gradually emerging from its difficulties. He reaffirmed his personal commitment to the PDP’s survival and growth, describing his visit as a gesture of solidarity with the incoming leadership.
“Yes, we have a crisis, and we have almost come out of it. It will require hard work and sacrifice to move the party forward. My coming here is to reassure you of my support,” he said.
The minister urged the new NWC to prioritise reconciliation, particularly with defectors who, he noted, retained interest in the party despite their departures. He also urged the leadership to remain focused on the ongoing legal battles, expressing confidence that the same outcome that had prevailed at the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal would be repeated at the Supreme Court.
PDP National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, responding to Wike’s address, pledged that the new leadership would reposition the party and restore public confidence, describing the PDP as a viable platform for national leadership that would intensify efforts to secure electoral victories in 2027.
National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu separately praised Wike’s continued engagement, describing the visit as a significant morale boost for the party’s leadership.
