Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain confident ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the absence of PDP governors in some states should not discourage aspirants.
Speaking at the party’s 107th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Wike told party members that fear of losing elections due to lack of state control was unfounded.
According to him, aspirants must show courage and determination regardless of the party’s current structure across states.
He also reaffirmed that the PDP’s planned national convention, scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026, would proceed as planned, stressing that all necessary conditions had been met.
Wike expressed optimism that several former members who defected from the party would return before the convention, noting that the growing attendance at party meetings reflected renewed confidence in his faction of the PDP.
On reconciliation efforts, the former Rivers State governor called on party leaders to engage sincerely with aggrieved members willing to return, while advising that those unwilling to commit should be left out.
He stressed that reconciliation should not be driven by personal ambition but by genuine interest in strengthening the party.
The FCT minister, however, criticised Seyi Makinde and other PDP governors who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of abandoning the party after setbacks.
Wike dismissed earlier allegations that he was working for the APC, questioning the whereabouts of his critics who have since left the PDP.
He maintained that loyalty and commitment should define party membership, adding that quality representation mattered more than numbers.
Wike reiterated his commitment to the PDP, stating that he would not leave the party and would continue to support reconciliation efforts even after the convention.
