“Nobody gives power, you must take It,” Wike charges PDP ahead of 2027

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a national leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike, has urged party members to abandon what he described as a culture of entitlement and prepare for the political struggle required to reclaim power in the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the party’s 109th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike challenged PDP leaders, candidates and stakeholders to embrace sacrifice, resilience and grassroots mobilisation, insisting that political power is never handed over voluntarily. “Nobody gives power. Nobody has done it. Power is taken. If you do not struggle for it, it is your business. Nobody is ready to dash you power. You have to fight for it. You have to struggle for it,” he declared. The former Rivers State governor likened the PDP’s current situation to that of a family facing hardship after years of abundance, saying many members had become accustomed to the privileges of being in power and were unprepared for the realities of opposition politics. “When PDP was in power, many people were like spoiled children who depended on what their father provided every day. Now that your father is sick, you think the whole world has ended. It cannot be so. Challenges are part of life, and you must rise to meet them,” he said. Recalling his own political journey, from local government politics to confronting what he described as “federal might,” Wike urged aspirants seeking elective offices to show courage rather than wait for political opportunities to be handed to them. “If you want to be governor and you are waiting for the person in power to hand over power to you, then you are not ready. Organise yourself and fight more than you have ever fought. Leadership is not about titles; it is about sacrifice,” he said. He also charged party members to focus on delivering electoral victories at all levels instead of lamenting the challenges posed by incumbents. “Everybody should go home and bring something to the table in 2027. Bring a House of Representatives seat, bring a State Assembly seat, bring votes. This is not a place for empty hands. Politics is about results,” he added. On the party’s legal disputes, Wike dismissed concerns over ongoing court cases, insisting that the PDP remained focused on preparations for future elections. “We are not afraid of court. Courts are meant for human beings, not ghosts. Let people continue going to court while we continue preparing for our elections. The worst has happened already. We are focused and ready,” he said. Expressing optimism about the party’s future, Wike said although the PDP might not currently dominate Nigeria’s political landscape, it could emerge stronger as a vibrant opposition capable of shaping the country’s future. “After the 2027 elections, we will come back here and thank God for keeping our party alive. We may not get everything, but we must remain relevant and strong enough to determine our future,” he added. Earlier, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, praised members for their resilience and commitment, describing the NEC meeting as evidence of the party’s enduring strength despite recent political challenges. He commended party leaders across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for conducting peaceful and credible primaries, saying the exercises reflected the PDP’s commitment to internal democracy. Mohammed also lauded Wike for his continued support and political guidance. “Our national leader, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has continued to provide tremendous support, encouragement and political guidance to our great party. His commitment to the stability and success of the PDP remains invaluable,” he said. The chairman also expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging stakeholders to support efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process. Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, also called for reconciliation and unity following the party’s primaries. “The primaries have come and gone. The time for contest is over. The time for unity, reconciliation and collective action is now. There must be no victors and no vanquished,” he said. Ohuabunwa urged party leaders to intensify membership drives and voter mobilisation across the country, stressing that electoral success begins with voter registration and strong grassroots structures. He also congratulated the party’s candidates for various elective positions, including its presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, expressing confidence that a united PDP would remain a formidable force ahead of the 2027 general elections.