By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has charged the opposition parties to strife for credibility by earning election victories and not by mere rethorics and emergency coalition.
Wike gave this charge on Friday during his solidarity and loyalty visit to the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the party’s national headquarters , Wada House in Abuja.
Wike discarded claims by smaller political groups positioning themselves as leading opposition voices, insisting that performance at the polls remains a ” limus test”.
“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.
Wike’s remarks followed ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s political parties as each struggles for influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
To reaffirm his commitment to the PDP, Wike said his visit was to demonstrate solidarity with the new leadership and encourage a united front as the party rebuilds after internal crises.
“My coming here is to reassure you of my support. I have come to pledge my loyalty to the National Working Committee,” he stated.
He acknowleged that the PDP had faced significant challenges but noted that the party was gradually emerging from its internal strife.
“Yes, we have had crisis, and we have almost come out of it. It will require hard work and sacrifice to move the party forward,” he said.
He urged the NWC to prioritise reconciliation, particularly by engaging members who had defected, many of whom, he noted, still retain interest in the party.
“Reach out to them. Most are concerned about opportunities, including tickets. You know what to do,” Wike advised.
He also cautioned against party members to avoid distractions, especially ongoing legal battles, expressing confidence that the party would heal.
“We have defeated them at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. The same God will see us through. Stay focused and work as a team,” he adviced.
In his response, the PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, gave assurance that the new leadership 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 stressed that the PDP remained a viable platform for national leadership and would intensify efforts to secure electoral victories in 2027.
Also, National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, commended Wike’s continued support, describing his visit as a significant boost to the morale of the party’s leadership.
The visit was part of growing efforts within the PDP to reassert its dominance as Nigeria’s foremost opposition party, amid increasing competition and shifting political coalitions.
End
Health News
NCDC Public Health Advisory on Flood Alert and Elevated Risk of Cholera and other Public Health Emergencies
Dear Colleagues,
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) alerts the public to flood predictions issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency indicating that parts of Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba, and Kwara States may experience heavy rainfall and flooding between 13th and 17th April 2026.
This Advisory highlight the following:
Key Risks:
Flooding may lead to outbreaks of cholera and diarrhoeal diseases, malaria, infections from contaminated water, injuries, and disruption to healthcare access.
What to Do:
Residents should use safe drinking water (boiled/chlorinated), maintain hand hygiene, avoid floodwater, ensure proper sanitation, store food safely, use insecticide-treated nets, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever occur.
Community Action:
Local leaders should promote sanitation, ensu
