KatsinaTimes | Abuja, April 17, 2026

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prioritise reconciliation efforts and work towards bringing back members who defected to other political parties.

Wike made the appeal on Friday during a visit to the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led NWC at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata House, Abuja.

He called on party leaders to intensify internal reconciliation and initiate strategies aimed at strengthening the party’s appeal to Nigerians ahead of future elections.

“I also want to urge you to do what you can to bring back our members who have defected to other political parties, thinking that PDP will not bounce back,” Wike said.

He advised the leadership to engage defected members through dialogue and structured outreach, noting that many were hesitant due to concerns over access to party tickets.

“You know what to do. I am sure that Nigerians will prefer PDP than all of those parties that are shouting here and there,” he added.

Wike congratulated the newly constituted NWC members following the party’s recent national convention in Abuja and reaffirmed his support for the leadership.

He also commended ongoing renovation works at the party’s national secretariat, describing it as a positive step toward institutional renewal.

The Minister said the PDP was gradually overcoming its internal crisis but stressed that rebuilding the party would require sustained effort and sacrifice.

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

Wike also dismissed claims by smaller political groups positioning themselves as the leading opposition in the country, insisting that electoral performance remains the true measure of political relevance.

According to him, the PDP remains the country’s main opposition party despite its current status outside government.

“You cannot become the main opposition party without winning an election,” he said, citing past electoral performances of such groups.

In his response, the NWC Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, assured Wike that the new leadership would reposition the party and work toward electoral success in 2027.

He described the PDP as a viable platform for national leadership, adding that the committee would intensify efforts to reconnect with supporters across the country.

“We are not going to disappoint Nigerians,” Mohammed said.

Also speaking, the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, commended Wike for his continued support, describing his visit as a boost to the morale of party leadership.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike was received by members of the NWC and other party leaders at the secretariat.