The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will overcome its current internal challenges and emerge stronger.
Wike made the statement in Abuja on Monday, June 9, 2025, while addressing party leaders and representatives from across the country during a meeting of the “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP,” which included delegates from all 36 states and the FCT.
The gathering brought together several prominent figures within the party, including former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Samuel Ortom of Benue, and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia. Also present were the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Philip Aduda. Other attendees included former lawmakers and zonal and state party officials.
In his address, Wike called on stakeholders to remain committed to reviving and sustaining the PDP, stating that the party’s survival depends on genuine dedication rather than public posturing.
“All of you here are those who are committed to the survival of our party, not just talking on television or in the newspapers, but committed to the party at various levels,” Wike said.
He defended the controversial actions of the G5 Governors, claiming their stance helped maintain national stability, and reiterated the importance of upholding both the Nigerian Constitution and the PDP’s internal rules.
“You may like us, you may hate us; the truth of the matter is if G5 did not take the decision we took, this country would have been in crisis,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who the beneficiary was, but the right thing had to be done, and we still stand by that decision.”
He further added, “We have continued to emphasise that the party’s constitution and that of the country should be respected. If the party had listened to what we said, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Wike urged PDP members to embrace unity and reject actions driven by self-interest, saying, “Ours is to continue to pacify people and bring them together and desist from saying that they should go to hell. Let us not allow greed; let us not allow ego to kill our party.”
Speaking at the same event, former Governor Ortom praised Wike’s contributions to the party, describing him as a central figure in its development.
“He who pays the piper dictates the tune,” Ortom said. “Tell Nigerians who has contributed to the growth of the PDP more than Wike.”
Ortom also commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Wike as FCT Minister, saying it demonstrated a commitment to political balance.
“For whatever reason, PDP made a lot of mistakes, and that is why we are where we are today,” Ortom added.
The meeting ended with calls for reconciliation and reform within the PDP as stakeholders pledged to work toward rebuilding the party ahead of future political contests.
