By Seun Ibiyemi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be rebuilt to meet the aspirations of Nigerians, even as he criticised governors who defected from the party.
Wike, a national leader of the PDP, made the remarks on Sunday at the party’s 10th Elective National Convention held in Abuja.
He emphasised that the PDP was founded as a people-oriented platform and must return to its core values by ensuring inclusiveness, unity, and internal democracy.
According to him, the party’s future depends on rebuilding trust and creating legitimate channels for Nigerians to express their views and participate actively in governance.
“Together with all Nigerians, we shall rebuild our party in such a way that it will meet the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of the people,” Wike said.
He called on both loyal members and former members to come together in the spirit of unity, stressing that no one would be excluded in the rebuilding process.
Wike described the convention as a gathering of resilient party faithful who stood firm during a period of internal crisis that nearly destabilised the PDP.
He noted that party members successfully resisted forces that promoted division along ethnic and geographic lines, while also restoring internal democracy and returning the party to its grassroots base.
The minister commended loyalists for their steadfastness despite challenges, saying their resilience helped the party survive predictions of its collapse.
“You refused to be discouraged when some leaders betrayed the party, and you proved wrong those who thought the PDP was finished,” he said.
Wike also praised grassroots members for their unwavering commitment, noting that they remained loyal despite political defections and internal turbulence.
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However, he took a swipe at PDP governors who left the party, accusing them of lacking leadership courage and commitment.
He argued that such leaders benefitted from the party’s platform to attain power but failed to stand firm during difficult times.
“When crises emerged, instead of showing leadership and courage, they ran away. That speaks volumes about their character,” Wike stated.
He further urged defecting governors to return their mandates to the party, insisting that leadership requires responsibility, especially in periods of uncertainty.
Wike concluded by expressing optimism about the PDP’s future, stating that the party has entered a new phase of renewal, unity, and purpose aimed at repositioning it for national relevance and development.
