The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to reach out to former members and encourage their return, as efforts intensify to rebuild the party after months of internal crisis.
Wike made the appeal on Friday during a visit to the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, where he met with members of the NWC led by Abduraham Mohammed.
His remarks come just days after a faction aligned with him regained control of the party’s headquarters on 10 April, following a prolonged leadership dispute that had forced the Nigeria Police to seal the premises after tensions escalated into violence.
Addressing party officials, Wike acknowledged the damage caused by the crisis but expressed optimism that the PDP was gradually finding its footing again.
“Yes, we had a crisis, and we have almost come out of it,” he said. “It will not be easy, but with hard work and sacrifice, we can move the party forward.”
He urged party leaders to take deliberate steps to reconnect with members who had defected in recent months, noting that uncertainty over political opportunities had discouraged some from returning.
“Reach out to them. Speak to them. Send a strong team to engage them,” Wike advised. “Many are unsure about their chances, but it is our responsibility to reassure them and bring them back into the fold.”
He expressed confidence that Nigerians would still see the PDP as a viable political alternative, dismissing suggestions that smaller parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could emerge as the main opposition without significant electoral victories.
In his response, Mohammed assured that the party leadership was committed to strengthening its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The PDP is here to stay,” he said. “We will work closely with aspirants and candidates to ensure we are well-positioned to win elections in 2027.”
Despite the renewed optimism, the party’s leadership dispute is yet to be fully resolved. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear appeals on 22 April in a case brought by a rival PDP faction, setting the stage for a final decision that could shape the party’s future.
For many party members, the coming days represent a critical moment — not just for resolving internal divisions, but for rebuilding trust and unity ahead of a crucial electoral cycle.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to reach out to former members and encourage their return, as efforts intensify to rebuild the party after months of internal crisis.
Wike made the appeal on Friday during a visit to the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, where he met with members of the NWC led by Abduraham Mohammed.
His remarks come just days after a faction aligned with him regained control of the party’s headquarters on 10 April, following a prolonged leadership dispute that had forced the Nigeria Police to seal the premises after tensions escalated into violence.
Addressing party officials, Wike acknowledged the damage caused by the crisis but expressed optimism that the PDP was gradually finding its footing again.
“Yes, we had a crisis, and we have almost come out of it,” he said. “It will not be easy, but with hard work and sacrifice, we can move the party forward.”
He urged party leaders to take deliberate steps to reconnect with members who had defected in recent months, noting that uncertainty over political opportunities had discouraged some from returning.
“Reach out to them. Speak to them. Send a strong team to engage them,” Wike advised. “Many are unsure about their chances, but it is our responsibility to reassure them and bring them back into the fold.”
He expressed confidence that Nigerians would still see the PDP as a viable political alternative, dismissing suggestions that smaller parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could emerge as the main opposition without significant electoral victories.
In his response, Mohammed assured that the party leadership was committed to strengthening its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The PDP is here to stay,” he said. “We will work closely with aspirants and candidates to ensure we are well-positioned to win elections in 2027.”
Despite the renewed optimism, the party’s leadership dispute is yet to be fully resolved. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear appeals on 22 April in a case brought by a rival PDP faction, setting the stage for a final decision that could shape the party’s future.
For many party members, the coming days represent a critical moment — not just for resolving internal divisions, but for rebuilding trust and unity ahead of a crucial electoral cycle.
