Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with him, has renewed calls for reconciliation within the party, urging defected members to return as efforts intensify to rebuild unity ahead of future elections.
At the PDP’s 87th Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja, factional chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed said the party leadership had begun reaching out to aggrieved members across the country in a bid to restore cohesion.
“We are reaching out to every aggrieved member across all wards and zones. We do not just want people back in the fold; we want them back with a sense of belonging and a shared purpose,” Mohammed said.
He stressed that unity was critical to the party’s survival, urging members to set aside personal grievances in the collective interest.
“Let us set aside personal grievances for the collective survival and success of our great party. Politics is a game of interests, but we must never let those interests supersede our mission,” he said.
Mohammed added that the National Working Committee (NWC) was committed to a “genuine and transparent reconciliation process,” while warning that unity without discipline would be unsustainable.
“To remain a viable alternative for the people, we must uphold the sanctity of our constitution. Loyalty to the party’s decisions is non-negotiable. Internal grievances must be channelled through the proper constitutional organs, not the pages of newspapers,” he said.
He also outlined plans to strengthen grassroots mobilisation, particularly at polling unit level, and to leverage technology for membership drives and voter engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We are not just preparing to contest, we are preparing to lead. Let us leave this room with a renewed spirit of sacrifice and a commitment to victory,” Mohammed stated.
Speaking at the party’s 108th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at Wadata Plaza, Wike said the PDP should not shut its doors to members who had defected, insisting there was still room for their return.
“It will be nonsense to say those who have defected, let them go. No… make sure you put up a strong committee that will still go ahead and talk to those who have defected. There is still room for them to come back,” Wike said.
He assured that returning members would not be marginalised, adding: “Whatever that is due to them, they will still have it.”
Wike attributed recent defections to uncertainty within the party, expressing optimism that renewed stability would encourage members to reconsider their positions.
“But now that the party is back and the party will be on the ballot paper, if you go and talk to them, I believe they will have a rethink and continue to support this party,” he said.
The FCT minister reaffirmed his personal loyalty to the PDP, noting his long-standing membership.
“Since 1998 till now, I have been a member of the PDP, and I will not leave the party. That is the truth of the matter,” he said.
On ongoing legal disputes involving the party, Wike expressed confidence in its legal team, stating that “they are doing a great job,” and adding that “God who has led us this far can never abandon us.”
He also commended the party leadership for reclaiming Wadata Plaza as its national secretariat, describing it as a sign of legitimacy.
“What shows that you are the authentic PDP is because you are holding your meeting at the national secretariat. If there’s any other PDP, let them come to the national secretariat and hold their own meeting,” Wike said.
Earlier, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, called for genuine reconciliation across all levels of the party, stressing the need to consolidate gains from the recent national convention.
“The party’s national convention had come and gone. What now remains is a united party,” Ohuabunwa said.
He noted that while the convention had restored confidence, the party must guard against fresh divisions.
“At this crucial post-convention stage, our duty is clear: we must ensure that the gains of the convention are not lost to division, misunderstanding or avoidable conflicts. Unity must now be our watchword,” he stated.
Ohuabunwa urged party leaders to embrace inclusiveness and ensure no stakeholder feels alienated.
“We must deliberately reach out, bring everyone on board and ensure that no stakeholder feels alienated. The strength of our party has always been in our inclusiveness… while remaining one united family,” he said.
He further emphasised discipline, internal democracy, and adherence to the party’s constitution as essential to repositioning the PDP as a credible alternative.
“Our people are looking for credible leadership, clear direction and a party that truly represents their aspirations. We must rise to that expectation,” he said.
Ohuabunwa concluded by urging members to prioritise the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions.
“Let us rise above personal interests and place the collective good of the party above all else… and reposition our party as the credible alternative that Nigerians are yearning for,” he said.