ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, has charged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to prepare for a tough political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that political power is never given but must be won through struggle, sacrifice and hard work.
Addressing the party’s 109th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting in Abuja, Wike urged members to embrace the realities of opposition politics, warning that the PDP would not return to power through entitlement, excuses or wishful thinking.
“Nobody gives power. Power is taken. You must fight for it to take it. Nobody gives power, and nobody is ready to dash you of power. You have to struggle for it. You have to fight for it. You don’t have to be afraid,” Wike said.
Drawing from his own political experience, the former Rivers State governor encouraged party aspirants not to be intimidated by arrests, court cases or political pressure, insisting that political success is often forged through adversity and resilience.
Addressing concerns over lingering legal disputes within the party, Wike maintained that the PDP remained focused on its electoral preparations and would not be distracted by court actions.
“As far as I am concerned, June 26 is when they will give the access code to political parties to upload results. Don’t worry, we are good to go. Nobody is afraid of court; courts are meant for human beings, not ghosts,” he said.
The FCT minister also took a swipe at party members struggling to adjust to life outside power, saying many had become accustomed to enjoying the benefits of government without contributing meaningfully to the party’s growth.
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“So most of you always used to come and take when PDP was in power, like spoiled children every day, depending on what their father had provided. It appears your father is sick now, nobody to provide, you think that the whole world has ended,” he said.
Wike challenged governorship aspirants, lawmakers and other party candidates to focus on delivering results rather than making excuses.
“Everybody, go home, bring something, and put it on the table in 2027. If you bring the House of Representatives, you have done something. If you bring an assembly member, you have done something. But don’t come here, this is not a place of empty hands,” he said.
He further urged party members to remain steadfast despite intimidation, describing political struggle as a test of commitment and endurance.
“If they want to kill you, die and leave this thing you are looking for. The people will arrest you; be strong. The people who will arrest you are also human beings. Use me as an example. I’ve seen everything, intimidation, everything,” Wike added.
Expressing optimism about the PDP’s future, Wike said the party would remain a relevant force in Nigeria’s political landscape despite its present challenges.
“After the 2027 elections, we’ll come back here and thank God for keeping our party alive. Yes, we are not in a strong position to say we must get everything, but with a strong opposition, to be relevant and decide our future,” he said.
Earlier, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, called for unity and reconciliation within the party as it prepares for future electoral contests.
He commended party leaders, state chairmen and members of the National Working Committee (NWC), for successfully conducting recent primaries and sustaining the party’s structures despite difficult circumstances.
Mohammed also praised Wike for his continued support and guidance to the party.
“Our objective is not merely to win elections but to offer visionary leadership capable of addressing the pressing challenges facing our nation and delivering tangible benefits to all Nigerians,” he said.
The chairman expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to provide a level playing field for political parties and urged stakeholders to continue supporting efforts to strengthen democracy.
Also speaking, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, appealed for reconciliation and party unity, urging members to move beyond the primaries and work collectively toward electoral success.
“The primaries have come and gone. The contest time is over. The time for unity, reconciliation and collective action is now. There must be no victors and no vanquished,” Ohuabunwa said.
He also called for intensified membership mobilisation and voter registration efforts across the country, stressing that victory would depend on grassroots organisation and unity.
“Indeed, our strength lies in our unity. When we work together, victory becomes achievable. When we become divided, our collective resolve is weakened,” he added.