The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday rallied members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), urging them to focus on rebuilding internal cohesion and winning elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.

Wike, who spoke during a courtesy visit to the PDP national secretariat, Wadata House, Abuja, stressed that credibility as an opposition force must be earned through electoral victories rather than alliances or what he described as “emergency coalitions.”

“You cannot become an opposition party without winning an election. Those who say they are leading the opposition have not contested any election successfully,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor used the visit to reaffirm his loyalty to the party’s newly inaugurated NWC, pledging moral and political support as it steers the PDP through a period of recovery following internal crises.

“My coming here is to reassure you of my support. After elections, you will need the support of every party member, morally and otherwise. I have come to pledge my loyalty to all of you,” he said.

Wike noted that although the party had experienced turbulence, it was gradually stabilising, urging members of the NWC to brace up for the task ahead.

According to him, repositioning the PDP would require “hard work and sacrifice,” as well as the collective effort of experienced party hands across various levels of leadership.

While acknowledging improvements at the secretariat following a Federal High Court judgment that restored access to the facility, he commended the NWC for taking steps to resume full administrative activities.

The minister also charged the party leadership to prioritise reconciliation by reaching out to aggrieved members and those who had defected.

He observed that many former members remained interested in the PDP but were uncertain about their political prospects within the party.

“Make sure you attract them back into the fold. Talk to them, engage them. Most of them are concerned about opportunities, including tickets. You know what to do,” he advised.

Wike further cautioned against distractions arising from legal disputes, expressing confidence that the party would overcome ongoing challenges.

“We have defeated them at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. The same God that has led us this far will not abandon us. Stay focused and work as a team,” he added.

Responding, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, assured that the new leadership would reposition the party and restore public confidence.

“We have capable hands and we are determined to lead the party to a higher level. We will not disappoint Nigerians,” he said.

Mohammed emphasised that the PDP remained a viable platform for national leadership, expressing optimism that the party would secure electoral victories in 2027 through strategic engagement and unity of purpose.

In a vote of thanks, National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, commended the minister for his continued commitment to the party, describing his visit as a demonstration of humility and leadership.