By Sarah NEGEDU
FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, on Monday declared his interest in all activities of the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that his focus is on the survival, stability and success of the party nationwide.
He made the declaration at the 105th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the PDP held in Abuja, insisting that his concern is solely about strengthening the party ahead of future elections.
He told NEC members that his attention on Oyo PDP was driven purely by the need to safeguard the party’s stability and strengthen its structures ahead of future elections.
“Let me declare my interest clearly. I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in all the happenings in Oyo State PDP. That is all I am interested in,” he said.
Addressing claims of intimidation and internal threats, Wike dismissed suggestions that any individual or group could undermine party members, stressing that ongoing legal disputes had been resolved in favour of the Caretaker Committee.
“Who will intimidate us to the end? Some of us, by the grace of God, do not see what anyone can threaten us with. The legal battle has collapsed. They have no option but to recognise the Caretaker Committee,” he said.
The minister said the party was waiting for the Caretaker Committee to issue clear directives on overdue congresses, which he described as essential for organising a credible National Convention.
“They have no choice. We are waiting for the Caretaker Committee to give direction on the next steps, especially to ensure that congresses already due are conducted, after which we move to the National Convention,” he said.
Wike’s remarks come in the wake of the recent controversial National Convention of the party held in Ibadan by a rival PDP faction, which was nullified by the Federal High Court. The ruling has escalated tensions between FCT Minister and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Against this backdrop, Wike warned party members against treating the PDP as a charity organisation, urging them to return to the grassroots and rebuild the party from ward and polling unit levels.
“Go to the wards. Go to the polling units. Go to the grassroots. Forget the idea that this is a charity organisation. Many people move from place to place without any political identity,” he cautioned.
While rejecting the notion that a party’s relevance depends on having sitting governors, Wike cited his own political journey saying, “Some people believe that if you do not have a sitting governor, then you are nothing. Who told them that? I was not a governor when I became governor. We were told we were not governors, but we became governors.”
He described the PDP as a “formidable political force” despite its challenges, adding that, “The PDP is too strong, very strong. We must capitalise on what we have and move forward.”
While acknowledging calls for peace by the Board of Trustees, BoT, and the National Working Committee, NWC, Wike urged members to remain vigilant against ongoing attempts to destabilise the party.
“Yes, the BoT has appealed for peace. Yes, the NWC has appealed for peace, that is their responsibility. But those of us following the process must be extremely careful. We must be vigilant,” he said.
He warned that adversaries would not relent until they believed the party was finished but expressed confidence that such efforts would fail.
“They will not give up until they believe you are destroyed. But I will not be destroyed. You will not be destroyed. Let us move forward,” he said.
Wike further urged the party to rely on its internal experience and capacity, noting the competence of legal and organising officers in navigating the current phase.
“We have a competent Legal Adviser. We have a competent National Organising Secretary. Experience matters. When we combine our collective experience, the results will speak for themselves,” he said.
He thanked NEC members for attending the meeting on short notice and urged them to remain committed to strengthening the PDP as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.
