Wike urges PDP members to contest 2027 elections, dismisses fears over party strength

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain confident and contest elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mr Wike made the call on Tuesday during the party’s 107th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where he dismissed concerns that the party’s dwindling number of governors could weaken its electoral chances.

“Those afraid that they will not win elections because they don’t have a governor from the PDP in their state, that is a lie. Remove fear from your body and have confidence,” he said.

Convention to proceed as planned

The former Rivers State governor also assured party members that the PDP’s national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026, would go ahead as planned.

According to him, all necessary conditions have been met, expressing optimism that more members who previously left the party would return in the coming days.

Push for reconciliation

On internal party disputes, Mr Wike called on PDP leaders to sustain reconciliation efforts, particularly by engaging members who had been suspended or expelled.

“It’s important for the party to hold peace talks so that those who have been expelled or suspended from the party can have discussions on how to bring them back in,” he said.

He, however, stressed that such efforts must be sincere and not driven by personal political interests.

“Let it be in sincerity and not just about those who would want to use us for personal purposes. After this NEC meeting, anyone who does not show commitment and comes after the convention, we will not accept that. You must know where you stand now,” he added.

Criticism of party leaders and defectors

Mr Wike also criticised some PDP leaders, including Seyi Makinde, and those who have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He rejected claims that he was working for the APC, noting that he has remained in the PDP despite internal challenges.

“They were accusing me of working for the APC. Where are they today? We had 13 governors… today, how many do we have? They all ran away because they were defeated,” he said.

In a direct remark, he took a swipe at Mr Makinde, questioning his political choices and commitment.

“You wanted to be a contractor, and I wanted power. You got contracts from Chevron, why didn’t you stay there and leave us to do our job? If you are not ready to play it, go home and rest. We are ready to have sleepless nights,” he said.

Commitment to PDP

Mr Wike reiterated his commitment to the PDP, insisting he would not leave the party despite ongoing tensions.

“No blackmail will change us. I said what I said. Even if we have two senators, it is good we have two quality people than a multitude. I said I was not going to leave the party, and I will not,” he said.

He added that reconciliation efforts would continue beyond the convention as the party works to rebuild its strength ahead of future elections.

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