Wike Visits Wadata Plaza, Insists PDP Still Main Opposition Party

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday visited the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, declaring that the party remains Nigeria’s main opposition platform.

Wike met with the PDP National Chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman, National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and inspected facilities at the Wadata Plaza headquarters.

His visit comes amid internal disputes within the party, with a faction led by Tanimu Turaki opposing the reopening of the secretariat, citing an ongoing court case.

Addressing the NWC, Wike said his visit was to reaffirm support for the party leadership.

“My coming here this morning is to reassure you of my support… I’ve come to pledge my loyalty to all of you,” he said.

He commended the leadership for resuming activities at the secretariat following a Federal High Court ruling directing security agencies to vacate the premises.

“That shows that you are ready to kick-start daily activities… I congratulate you for taking that bold initiative,” he added.

Acknowledging the party’s recent internal crisis, Wike said rebuilding would require commitment and sacrifice.

“Yes, we had a crisis and have almost come out of it. It requires hard work and sacrifice to move the party forward,” he said.

He maintained that despite being out of power, the PDP remains Nigeria’s leading opposition party.

“Today, we are not in government, but this is the main opposition party… You cannot become a main opposition party without winning elections,” he said.

Taking a swipe at rival parties, Wike questioned their electoral strength.

“Those who claim they are leading the opposition have never won elections… In AMAC, they couldn’t win even one councillorship seat,” he said.

He also urged party leaders to reconcile aggrieved members and bring defectors back.

“Make sure you attract them back into the fold… Most of them are afraid; you know what to do,” he said.

Expressing optimism about the party’s future, Wike added:

“I am sure Nigerians will prefer this party… Do not be afraid of anybody.”

In his response, PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu praised Wike’s support for the party.

“Through you, PDP has showcased what we can do… The whole country is happy,” he said.

He described Wike’s visit as a show of humility and appreciated his contributions to the party’s recent convention.

“We thank you for your support—morally, financially and otherwise… I can’t imagine such humility,” Anyanwu added.