By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nysom Wike has unequivocally declared his interest in Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP)activities.
Wike made his interest known on Monday at the 105th PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.
“Let me declare my interest clearly: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in all the happenings in Oyo State PDP. That is all I am interested in,” Wike said.
Wike made this known to party members that his primary concern is the survival, stability, and success of the party nationwide, listing internal party wrangling like ongoing legal disputes and forging a pathway to rebuilding the party for future elections.
Speaking about concerns of intimidation and internal threats, the minister dispelled fears that any individual or group could coerce party members into submission, adding that the party has effectively conquered its legal battles.
” Vampires will not take over the affairs of the party across the 36 states of the federation, including FCT.”
“Who will intimidate us to the end? Some of us, by the grace of God, do not see what anyone can threaten us with. The legal battle has collapsed. They have no option but to recognize the Caretaker Committee,” he stated.
He said the party’s Caretaker Committee will issue clear directives, particularly on the conduct of overdue congresses, which are key steps towards achieving a credible National Convention.
“They have no choice. We are waiting for the Caretaker Committee to give direction on the next steps, especially to ensure that congresses already due are conducted, after which we move to the National Convention,” he said.
However, the FCT Minister warned party members against taking PDP as a charity organization, urging them to return to the grassroots to rebuild the party from the ward and polling unit levels.
“Go to the wards. Go to the polling units. Go to the grassroots. Forget the idea that this is a charity organisation. Many people move from place to place without any political identity,” he cautioned.
Wike also rejected the notion that a political party’s relevance depends solely on having sitting governors, recalling his own political journey.
“Some people believe that if you do not have a sitting governor, then you are nothing. Who told them that? I was not a governor when I became governor. We were told we were not governors, but we became governors,” Wike said.
He stated, the PDP remains a formidable political force despite its current challenges.
The PDP is too strong, strong. We must capitalize on what we have and move forward,” he added.
Furthermore, he urged party leaders and members to remain vigilant, warning that attempts to destabilize the party were ongoing, despite calls for peace by the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Working Committee (NWC).
“Yes, the BoT has appealed for peace. Yes, the NWC has appealed for peace; that is their responsibility. But those of us following the process must be extremely careful. We must be vigilant,” he emphasized.
He cautioned that adversaries are still at work to finish the party but expressed believe that their efforts would fail.
“They will not give up until they believe you are destroyed. But I will not be destroyed. You will not be destroyed. Let us move forward,” he said.
Noting that the PDP has competent legal and organizing officers capable of navigating the current phase, Wike urged members to rely on the wealth of the party’s internal capacity.
“We have a competent legal advisor. We have a competent National Organizing Secretary. Experience matters. When we combine our collective experience, the results will speak for themselves,” he said.
He appreciated the NEC members for attending the meeting at short notice and urged them to remain committed to strengthening the party as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.
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