Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed concerns over the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting the party remains strong enough to contest and win elections in 2027.

Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, Wike affirmed that the PDP would field candidates for all elective positions, including the presidency, but stressed that rebuilding the party’s structure and unity is the immediate priority.
“It’s not just about fielding candidates; it’s about making the party viable,” he said.

He declared that the party’s internal crisis, which has persisted since 2025, has now been resolved, urging aggrieved members to return and contribute to its rebuilding.
“As far as I’m concerned, the convention has come and gone. People are trooping in. The door is open,” Wike added.

Describing politics as a game rather than a “fight to finish,” he called for reconciliation among party members.
“If you see it as do-or-die, it becomes difficult to reconcile. We have had our differences, but there’s nothing left. We can move the party forward together,” he said.

Wike also defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over criticism surrounding his visit to Plateau State following recent killings. He dismissed concerns about the President not spending the night in Jos, describing such expectations as unrealistic.
“Mr President cancelled his schedule because of Plateau. Is that not enough to show he cares?” he said.

According to Wike, leadership should be judged by concrete actions taken to prevent future attacks rather than symbolic gestures.
“If I go and stay the night without putting measures in place to stop a recurrence, then my visit means nothing,” he stated.

He maintained that Tinubu remains committed to tackling insecurity, noting the complexity of modern terrorism.
“Nobody can say the President is not doing all he can. Fighting terrorism is not easy—you don’t even know who they are,” he said.

Reflecting on political dynamics, Wike dismissed allegations that the ruling party is weakening opposition groups, recalling challenges faced by the PDP during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari.
“If there was anybody who was tormented by that government, it was me,” he said.

He added that political competition naturally involves exploiting opponents’ weaknesses.
“That is politics. The ruling party will always look for loopholes, just like the opposition,” Wike stated.

With the PDP working to recover from internal divisions, his remarks signal a renewed push for unity and repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, with reconciliation seen as key to the party’s future strength.