…FCT Minister Urges Members to Contest at Federal and State Elections
…Says Makinde Should Have Been a Contractor, not Politician
By Jeremy Fregene
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has rallied members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to actively contest elections across the country, insisting that fear of defeat, particularly in states without PDP governors, should not deter participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the party’s 107th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Wike urged aspirants at both federal and state levels to approach the polls with confidence, stressing that electoral victory is achievable regardless of existing political structures.
“Those afraid that they will not win elections because they don’t have a governor from the PDP in their state, that is a lie. Remove fear from your body and have confidence,” Wike said.
The FCT minister’s remarks come as he pushes for a more assertive and competitive PDP posture against rival parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in the build-up to 2027.
Wike also addressed concerns about the party’s internal processes, assuring members that the planned national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026, would proceed as planned.
He stated that all necessary conditions had been fulfilled and expressed optimism that the party would witness a wave of returnees in the coming days.
According to him, the increasing turnout at party meetings reflects growing recognition among stakeholders that his faction represents the authentic structure of the PDP.
The former Rivers State governor called for sustained reconciliation efforts within the party, urging the leadership to create room for dialogue with aggrieved members, including those who had been suspended or expelled.
“It’s important for the party to hold peace talks so that those who have been expelled or suspended from the party can have discussions on how to bring them back in,” he said.
He, however, cautioned that such reconciliation must be driven by sincerity and commitment, rather than opportunism.
“Let it be in sincerity and not just about those who would want to use us for personal purposes. After this NEC meeting, anyone who does not show commitment and comes after the convention, we will not accept that. You must know where you stand now,” Wike added.
Wike reiterated his personal commitment to the PDP, dismissing claims that he was working for the APC, and took a swipe at party leaders who have defected or distanced themselves from the party.
“They were accusing me of working for the APC. Where are they today? We had 13 governors… today, how many do we have? They all ran away because they were defeated,” he said.
In a pointed remark directed at Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Wike contrasted their political motivations, emphasizing his focus on political power.
“I was watching my friend today, Seyi Makinde, during his visit to the Bauchi State governor… You wanted to be a contractor, and I wanted power.
“You got contracts from Chevron, why didn’t you stay there and leave us to do our job? If you are not ready to play it, go home and rest. We are ready to have sleepless nights.”
He maintained that no amount of criticism or pressure would alter his stance or commitment to the party.
“No blackmail will change us. I said what I said. Even if we have two senators, it is good we have two quality people than a multitude. I said I was not going to leave the party, and I will not. I believe in true reconciliation, and we will continue to have it even after the convention,” Wike added.