The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on members of the Peoples Democratic Party to approach the 2027 general elections with confidence, insisting that the absence of PDP governors in some states should not discourage aspirants.
Speaking on Monday at the party’s 107th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Wike dismissed claims that electoral success was dependent on having a sitting PDP governor.
He told party members seeking elective offices at both federal and state levels to shed fear and trust in their political strength, arguing that defeatist thinking had weakened the party in the past.
The former Rivers State governor also assured delegates that the PDP’s national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026, would go ahead as planned.
According to him, all necessary requirements had been fulfilled, and there would be no attempt to stall or cancel the exercise.
Wike further showed optimism that the party would witness a wave of returns in the coming days, saying he expected several former members who had left the PDP to rejoin before the end of the following week.
Commenting on attendance at the NEC meeting, the FCT minister said the turnout reflected renewed commitment among members who, in his view, represented the “authentic” core of the party.
On reconciliation, Wike urged the PDP leadership to sustain peace talks and remain open to reintegrating suspended or expelled members who were genuinely willing to return.
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However, he cautioned against insincere overtures driven solely by personal ambition.
He said commitment to the party must be demonstrated before the convention, warning that late entrants who failed to show loyalty beforehand should not expect acceptance afterward.
Wike also took aim at PDP governors who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as critics who had accused him of working against his party.
In a pointed remark, he referenced Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, questioning the consistency of those who had publicly challenged his loyalty while later aligning elsewhere.
He maintained that despite internal disputes and defections, he remained firmly in the PDP and committed to what he described as genuine reconciliation, even if the party emerged smaller but more cohesive.
Wike concluded by reaffirming his refusal to leave the party, saying unity, discipline and resolve would determine the PDP’s future beyond the 2026 convention.
"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. I believe in true reconciliation, and we will continue to have it even after the convention," he said.