The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Sunday declared that loyal members of the Peoples Democratic Party had regained control of the party, as he criticised defectors and called for renewed unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike made the assertion during the party’s 10th Elective National Convention held in Abuja, describing the gathering as a turning point in the PDP’s internal crisis.
According to him, the successful conduct of the convention under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission signalled a return to stability and institutional order within the party.
“Today marks a rebirth of the PDP as a united platform ready to move forward,” he said, adding that the party had been restored to its “rightful owners.”
The former Rivers State governor criticised some party leaders who recently defected, accusing them of lacking the courage to resolve internal disputes.
He urged aggrieved members to return to the party, assuring them of inclusiveness and equal opportunity, provided they abide by party discipline.
“Our brothers and sisters who left should come back and join in rebuilding the party. There is room for everyone,” Wike said.
Wike also took a swipe at the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, Peter Obi, likening his leadership style to that of governors who abandoned the PDP during its crisis.
He argued that true leadership requires resilience in the face of challenges, not withdrawal.
Earlier, the Acting National Chairman of the party, Abdulrahman Mohammed, urged members to subordinate personal ambitions to the collective interest of the PDP.
He described the convention as a defining moment, stressing that unity and adherence to constitutional order were critical to the party’s survival.
“No ambition is greater than this party. We must choose unity over division and renewal over decline,” he said.
In his remarks, former Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, warned that failure to reconcile internal differences could threaten the party’s future.
He stressed that reconciliation was essential as the PDP prepares to reposition itself.
Also speaking, ex-Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, appealed to aggrieved members to return, urging them to reflect on the party’s historical role in promoting national unity.
He recalled the PDP’s formation in 1998 during a period of national crisis, noting that its founding vision was rooted in cohesion and stability.
Lamido described the party as a political home with deep national roots, calling on defectors to rejoin efforts aimed at rebuilding it.
Analysts say the convention signals renewed efforts by the PDP leadership to consolidate internal structures and reposition the party ahead of the next general elections.
