Wike Says PDP Will Reclaim Mandates From Defecting Governors

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will move to reclaim its mandate from governors elected on its platform who later defected to other parties.

Speaking at the party’s National Convention in Abuja, Wike stressed that the PDP would no longer tolerate what he described as the “appropriation” of its electoral victories by disloyal members.

He also declared that PDP will be on the ballot in 2027 election.

According to him, those who secured electoral mandates under the PDP but chose to abandon the party must be prepared to face the consequences, insisting that the party would take necessary steps to recover what rightfully belongs to it.

Wike, however, balanced his tough stance with a call for unity, acknowledging the existence of grievances within the party but emphasising that such disagreements are inevitable in any political organisation.

“In any group, there must be disagreements. You cannot expect everybody to be happy at the same time,” he said, urging members to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions.

He assured that efforts at reconciliation would continue beyond the convention, noting that the party remains open to accommodating aggrieved members willing to return and work together.

“The umbrella is big enough to accommodate everyone,” Wike added, reinforcing the PDP’s long-standing symbol of inclusiveness.

The former Rivers State governor also expressed confidence in the party’s future, declaring that the PDP would “shock Nigerians” despite its internal challenges.

He further dismissed concerns over disputes and legal issues surrounding the convention, insisting that the gathering would proceed as planned and produce outcomes that would strengthen the party ahead of future elections.