PDP Will Survive Its Challenges — Wike Assures Stakeholders

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger.

Wike made the declaration on Monday in Abuja while hosting members of the “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP” drawn from the 36 states and the FCT.

The gathering included prominent party figures such as former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), along with PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Philip Aduda. Several former federal and state legislators, zonal leaders, and state executives were also in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, Wike emphasized the importance of unity and commitment within the party ranks.

“All of you here are those who are committed to the survival of our party, not just talking on television or in the newspapers, but committed to the party at various levels,” he said.

He credited the actions of the G5 Governors, of which he was a member, with helping to maintain political stability in the country and reiterated the need for adherence to party and national constitutions.

“You may like us, you may hate us; the truth of the matter is if G5 did not take the decision we took, this country would have been in crisis,” Wike stated.

“It doesn’t matter who the beneficiary was, but the right thing had to be done, and we still stand by that decision.
“We have continued to emphasise that the party’s constitution and that of the country should be respected.
“If the party had listened to what we said, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

He cautioned PDP members against impunity and internal sabotage, stressing the need to put the party’s interest above personal ambitions.

“Ours is to continue to pacify people and bring them together and desist from saying that they should go to hell,” he warned.
“Let us not allow greed; let us not allow ego to kill our party.”

Also speaking at the meeting, former Benue State governor Samuel Ortom defended Wike’s contributions to the PDP, asserting that no one has done more for the party in recent times.

“He who pays the piper dictates the tune,” Ortom said.
“I challenge anyone in Nigeria to tell Nigerians who has contributed to the growth of the PDP more than Wike.”

Ortom also praised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Wike as FCT Minister, interpreting it as a move to preserve multiparty democracy.

“For whatever reason, PDP made a lot of mistakes, and that is why we are where we are today,” he added.

VANGUARD