RismadarVoice Reporters, June 25, 2026
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged aspirants seeking elective offices on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections to prepare for tough political contests, insisting that power is never given but must be won through hard work and determination.
Wike, a prominent leader of the PDP, gave the charge on Wednesday while addressing the party’s 109th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The former Rivers State governor told party members that aspiring candidates must be willing to make sacrifices and engage in legitimate political struggles if they hope to secure electoral victories.
“Nobody gives power. Power is taken. If you do not struggle for it, that is your business. You have to fight for it. You have to work for it. Nobody is ready to dash your power,” Wike said.
He criticised what he described as a growing culture of entitlement among some politicians, warning that electoral success cannot be achieved through dependence on political benefactors.
“You are used to people preparing something for you to come and eat, and you think it will always be like that. It cannot always be like that,” he stated.
Drawing from his personal political experience, Wike recounted the challenges he faced in his rise to political prominence, including legal battles during his bid for a local government chairmanship position and his eventual emergence as governor despite political opposition.
According to him, challenges are an inevitable part of politics and should be viewed as opportunities rather than obstacles.
“When I don’t see challenges, I know something is wrong. But when I see challenges, I know success has come,” he said.
The minister reminded PDP members that the party was no longer in control of the Federal Government and therefore must adopt a more resilient and determined approach to political mobilisation.
He likened the PDP to a family facing difficult times and urged members to remain committed to rebuilding the party.
Wike also cautioned party faithful against introducing religious sentiments into political contests, stressing that electoral success should be driven by grassroots mobilisation and performance rather than religious considerations.
He challenged party leaders and NEC members to contribute meaningfully to the party’s success by delivering electoral victories in their respective constituencies.
“Every NEC member has to bring something to the table. If you bring a House of Representatives seat, you have done something. If you bring a House of Assembly seat, you have done something. But don’t come here empty-handed,” he said.
On the ongoing internal disputes within the PDP, Wike dismissed concerns over claims by a faction of the party led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, that it would sponsor candidates for the 2027 elections.
According to him, the authority to nominate candidates would ultimately be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) via its candidate nomination portal.
“As far as I am concerned, we will see who INEC gives the access code to. Nobody is afraid of court cases. Courts are meant for human beings, not ghosts,” he said.
The FCT minister further urged party members not to be intimidated by political pressure, harassment or threats, insisting that perseverance remains essential in political leadership.
“Use me as an example. There is nothing I have not seen. I have seen everything, including intimidation,” Wike told party members.
He called on PDP members to remain focused on preparations for the 2027 elections and avoid distractions, expressing confidence that the party would overcome its internal challenges and remain competitive in future electoral contests.
