Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be rebuilt to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.
Wike, a PDP National Leader, stated this at the party’s 10th Elective National Convention held in Abuja on Sunday.
He said that the PDP was fundamentally built as a people’s party, stressing the need to create legitimate channels through which the voices of Nigerians would be heard and upheld.
He added that the path forward for the party must be anchored on inclusiveness, unity, and renewal.
“Together with all and sundry across all the nooks and crannies of our country, we shall rebuild our party in such a way that it will meet the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of Nigerians.
“Our brothers and sisters, with whom we journeyed in agreement or disagreement, should all come and join us in rebuilding our party for the common and collective good of all.
“No one would be excluded, and everyone will be given an equal opportunity to serve in unity and love. We must all pledge to a renewal of our commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the party.
“We must all sacrificially commit to a new era of purpose and collective vision, predicated on the core values enunciated by our founding fathers,” he said.
The minister described the convention as a “congregation of victorious men and women whose badge of honour remains the umbrella of the PDP.”
He noted that members, by standing firmly with the party, had overcome a severe leadership crisis that once threatened its survival.
“Together we fought against proponents of ethnic and geographic divisions and trounced the naysayers who abandoned the core values upon which the party was built.
“In the process, we rescued the party from the vice grip of those who abhor internal democracy and disregard the rule of law.
“More importantly, we returned the party to its rightful owners, the people, an accomplishment that reflects the fundamental principle upon which the party was established,” he said.
Wike commended party loyalists for their resilience during challenging times, describing their commitment as exemplary.
“You refused to be downcast when those who pretended to be leaders of the party betrayed you, and you survived the taunts of those who proclaimed the party dead.
“You have put to shame the cynics who never believed our party would rise again.
“Together, we are standing on the positive side of history with renewed energy, vision, and purpose, more united and committed to building a prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
He particularly praised grassroots members for remaining steadfast despite political defections by some elites.
“They remained faithful to the party, praying fervently for a renaissance. Their prayers have been answered, and that renaissance is here,” he said.
Speaking on PDP governors who left the party, Wike criticised their actions, describing them as a failure of leadership and urging them to return their mandates.
“When our governors were seeking a platform, they found one and achieved their ambitions.
“But when crises emerged, and it was time to demonstrate leadership, vision, and courage, they ran away. That tells you who can truly stand firm in difficult times.
“We must be careful about such actors,” he said.
