Wike pledges loyalty to new PDP leadership amid party restructuring

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national leader Nyesom Wike on Friday charged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to remain focused. He also assured the new leadership, led by newly elected national chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, of his support for the NWC members.

The current NWC emerged from the March 29 elective national convention held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. While addressing the team, Wike recalled that the Federal High Court had directed the police to vacate the party headquarters at Wadata Plaza and provide protection for officials to resume activities.

Wike pledges loyalty to new leadership
“I can see the work that has taken place. That shows that you are ready to kick-start daily activities,” Wike said. “Let me also congratulate you for taking that bold initiative. After elections, you will need the support of every party member, morally and otherwise. I have come here to pledge my support and my loyalty to all of you.”

He acknowledged that while the party has faced a significant crisis, it has nearly emerged from it. However, he warned that the road ahead would not be easy. “It will require a lot of hard work and sacrifice to move the party forward. You have experienced hands there—the national secretary, the legal adviser, and the zonal vice-chairmen—who will guide you,” he added.

Opposition status and defection strategy
Wike challenged the NWC to develop programmes that enhance the party’s popularity, asserting that the PDP remains the primary opposition force in Nigeria. He dismissed claims from rival groups, stating that a party cannot claim leading opposition status without a track record of winning elections.

“Those who say they are leading the opposition have never contested any election. In the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) elections, they could not secure a single councillor,” Wike said. He urged the NWC to interact with former members who defected under the impression that the party would not recover. “Make sure you attract them back into the fold. Send a powerful team to interact with them; most are simply afraid of whether they will secure tickets or not.”

PDP chairman targets 2027 success
The FCT Minister encouraged the committee not to be intimidated by any external forces and to work as a cohesive team. In response, PDP national chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed assured Wike that the committee comprised capable men and women committed to elevating the party.

“We are not going to disappoint Nigerians. This is the hope of our teeming supporters across the 36 states and the FCT,” Mohammed said. Under his leadership, he promised that the party would be accessible to aspirants to ensure victory in the 2027 general election. He also acknowledged Wike’s contributions to the party, stating that any fair-minded member must attest to his impact.