Wike Urges PDP to Seize Power Through Strategy and Sacrifice

ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has told members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the 2027 general elections will demand grit, sacrifice, and deliberate organisation. Speaking at the party’s 109th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Wike stressed that political power is never given freely but must be taken through struggle.

Wike, who also serves as a national leader of the PDP, reminded party members that opposition politics requires resilience. He warned against entitlement thinking, saying the party cannot return to power by wishful expectations.

Drawing from his political journey, the former Rivers State governor urged aspirants to brace for intimidation, arrests, and legal battles. He described adversity as a natural part of political success. “Nobody gives power. Power is taken. You must fight for it,” he declared.

Wike addressed ongoing court cases involving the party, insisting they would not derail preparations for 2027. He assured members that the PDP was ready for the electoral process, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would provide access codes for uploading results by June 26.

He dismissed fears of litigation, saying courts are meant for humans and should not intimidate politicians.

Wike observed that many PDP members were still struggling to adapt after years in government. He likened their dependence on power to children relying on a father’s provisions, stressing that the party must now cultivate self-reliance and fresh strategies.

He challenged aspirants to deliver tangible results at the grassroots. According to him, candidates must return home and mobilise support that translates into seats at different levels of government. “Bring something to the table in 2027,” he said, urging members to avoid excuses.

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Wike portrayed political struggle as a test of commitment. He urged members to remain steadfast even in the face of intimidation. He cited his own experiences with pressure and arrests, saying endurance is key to survival in politics.

Despite the challenges, Wike expressed confidence in the PDP’s future. He predicted that the party would emerge stronger after the 2027 elections, positioning itself as a relevant force in Nigeria’s political landscape.

PDP National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed echoed Wike’s call for unity. He praised party leaders and state chairmen for conducting primaries under difficult circumstances. Mohammed emphasised that the PDP’s mission goes beyond winning elections, aiming instead to provide visionary leadership that addresses Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

He expressed confidence in INEC’s ability to ensure a level playing field and commended security agencies for maintaining peace during primaries.

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, also appealed for reconciliation. He explained that the board postponed its meeting to allow adequate preparation and urged members to move beyond primary contests.

Ohuabunwa congratulated candidates who emerged from the primaries and stressed the importance of unity. He called for intensified membership mobilisation and voter registration, noting that electoral success begins with strong grassroots support.

He reminded members that the party’s strength lies in unity. “When we work together, victory becomes achievable. When we become divided, our collective resolve is weakened,” he said.

The PDP leadership agreed that the road to 2027 will be tough but achievable. Wike’s message underscored the need for sacrifice, grassroots mobilisation, and resilience. Party leaders emphasised reconciliation, organisation, and visionary leadership as the tools to reclaim relevance in Nigeria’s political space.

As the countdown to 2027 begins, the PDP faces the dual challenge of healing internal divisions and building a formidable opposition capable of contesting power. The message from Abuja was clear: success will not be handed over; it must be earned through struggle and strategy.