The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and National Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday challenged members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to deliver electoral victories ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that “political power must be fought for and not expected as a gift”.
Speaking at the 109th NEC meeting of his faction of party in Abuja, Wike urged party leaders, governorship aspirants and other stakeholders to abandon what he described as a culture of dependence and begin mobilising support at the grassroots level.
According to him, the party’s members must bring tangible political gains to the table rather than rely on others to do the hard work.
“Everybody go home, go and bring something and put on the table in 2027. NEC members must bring something. If you bring a House of Representatives member, you have done something. If you bring an Assembly member, you have done something. This is not a place of empty hands,” Wike stated.
The former Governor of Rivers State said several party members had become accustomed to enjoying the benefits of power when the PDP controlled the federal government and are now struggling to adjust to opposition politics.
He stressed that “power is never handed over willingly and can only be won through determination, sacrifice and strategic organisation”.
“Nobody gives power. You must fight for it and take it. Nobody is ready to dash you power. You have to struggle for it,” he stressed.
The minister encouraged governorship aspirants and other candidates not to be intimidated by perceived obstacles, insisting that challenges are an inevitable part of politics and leadership.
Drawing from his personal political experiences, he recounted the battles he fought from his days in local government politics, through his tenure as governor, saying resilience remained the key to success.
He also dismissed fears over on-going legal disputes and internal challenges facing the party, assuring members that the PDP remains focused on preparations for future elections.
He expressed the confidence that the party would overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We are not afraid. Let them continue going to court while we continue to prepare for our elections. The worst has happened. If you are not serious in this business, you better leave,” he said.
Earlier, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, commended the party leaders and members for their commitment to the party despite prevailing challenges.
Mohammed praised the National Working Committee, the Board of Trustees and state party leaders, for their efforts in strengthening internal democracy and maintaining unity within the party.
He also applauded the National Youth Leader, Amb. Balarabe Aboki, for the initiatives aimed at increasing youth participation and empowering young women within the PDP.
The acting chairman expressed the optimism about the party’s prospects in future elections, saying the PDP remained a credible alternative capable of providing effective governance and national development.
He urged the party members to remain united and committed to the party’s ideals of democracy, justice and equity while working collectively to position the PDP for greater electoral success in 2027.
