According to Premium Time, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said there is still an opportunity for members who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to return, urging party leaders to intensify reconciliation efforts amid ongoing internal challenges.
Mr Wike made the remarks on Monday during the party’s 108th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at Wadata Plaza in Abuja, where key stakeholders gathered to deliberate on the future of the party ahead of upcoming political activities.
Speaking at the meeting, the former Rivers State governor stressed that reconciliation should remain a top priority, noting that the party must remain open to welcoming back aggrieved members who had left due to internal disputes and uncertainties.
“Now we are together, we must not stop at reconciliation. The more, the merrier. It would be nonsense to say that those who have defected should be let go. No. Chairman and your team, make sure you put up a strong committee that will still go ahead and talk to those who have defected,” he said.
He added that there is still room for returnees and assured that their interests would be protected within the party structure. “There is still room for them to come back, and whatever that is due to them, they will still have it,” he said.
Mr Wike explained that many defections were driven by uncertainty about the party’s future, arguing that politicians often seek stability. However, he expressed optimism that the situation had changed and that renewed engagement could bring members back.
“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.
Reaffirming his loyalty, the minister declared, “On my own part, let me assure you I’ll continue to support the party. I’ll continue to be loyal to the party. 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 also expressed confidence in the party’s legal team handling ongoing court cases, stating, “They are doing a great job. Also, God, who has led us this far, can never abandon us.”
Mr Wike further congratulated the National Working Committee for reclaiming the party’s national secretariat, describing it as a sign of legitimacy and unity within the party. “What shows that you are the authentic PDP is because you are holding your meeting at the national secretariat,” he said.
Earlier, the acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, said the party leadership was already reaching out to aggrieved members, while Board of Trustees Chairman Mao Ohuabunwa emphasised that unity remained critical for the PDP’s survival and future success.
