2027 : Wike tells PDP leadership what to do

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on the national working committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Abduraham Mohammed, to begin reconciliation efforts by reaching out to former members and persuading them to return.

The minister made the appeal on Friday during a visit to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The faction of the PDP aligned with Wike had taken over the party’s headquarters on April 10, several months after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) shut the premises amid a leadership crisis that escalated into violence.

Wike expressed optimism that the internal dispute is nearing resolution, noting that his faction has recorded favourable judgments at both the federal high court and the court of appeal, while awaiting a final decision from the supreme court.

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“Yes, we had a crisis, and we have almost come out of the crisis. It is not going to be easy. It requires a lot of hard work. It requires a lot of sacrifice to move the party forward,” Wike told the NWC members.

“I also want to urge you to do what you can to bring back our members who have defected. Make sure you attract them back into the fold.

“Talk to them, and send a powerful team to interact with them. Most of them are uncertain about securing tickets when they return. You know what to do. I am sure that Nigerians will prefer this party to all of those making noise.”

He dismissed claims that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could be regarded as the country’s leading opposition, arguing that such recognition must be earned through electoral success.

In his response, Mohammed assured that the party would reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The PDP has come to stay, and under my leadership, we will make ourselves available to our teeming aspirants and those who will emerge as candidates, to ensure that we win elective positions in the 2027 general election,” he said.

The supreme court is expected to hear appeals filed by the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP faction against Wike’s group on April 22.