“I’m Watching Oyo PDP Closely, Nobody Can Intimidate Us”– Wike
•By Admin
ABUJA – THE MINISTER of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that he is keenly interested in every activity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, warning that no individual or group can intimidate the party into submission.
Wike spoke on Tuesday at the 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the PDP, where he delivered a fiery address on the party’s internal crisis, legal battles and the road to recovery.
“Let me be very clear: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in everything happening in Oyo State PDP. That is all I am interested in,” Wike declared.
The outspoken politician dismissed threats and intimidation within the party, insisting that the PDP’s legal battles had collapsed and that recognition of the Caretaker Committee was no longer optional.
“Who will intimidate us to the end? Some of us, by the grace of God, do not see what anyone can threaten us with. The legal battle has collapsed. They have no choice but to recognise the Caretaker Committee,” he said.
According to Wike, the next critical step is for the Caretaker Committee to give direction on the conduct of overdue congresses, which would pave the way for the party’s National Convention.
“We are waiting for the Caretaker Committee to give direction, especially to conduct the congresses that are already due. After that, we move to the National Convention,” he stated.
He warned party members against treating the PDP like a charity organisation and urged them to return to the grassroots to rebuild the party.
“Go to the wards, go to the polling units, go to the grassroots. This is not a charity organisation. Some people move from place to place without any political identity,” Wike cautioned.
The former Rivers governor also dismissed claims that a party without sitting governors was weak, recalling his own political rise.
“Some people think if you don’t have a governor, then you are nothing. Who told them that? I was not a governor before I became governor. We were told the same thing, yet we became governors,” he said.
Describing the PDP as a formidable force, Wike said the party must build on its existing strength.
“The PDP is very strong. We must capitalise on what we have and move forward,” he added.
While acknowledging calls for peace by the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Working Committee (NWC), Wike urged party leaders to remain alert, warning that attempts to destabilise the party were ongoing.
“People will be sent to scatter you. Your adversary remains your adversary. They will not stop until they believe you are finished. But I will not be destroyed, and you will not be destroyed,” he said.
He stressed the importance of experience in navigating the party’s current challenges, noting that the PDP has capable officers to manage the process.
“We have a competent Legal Adviser and a competent National Organising Secretary. Experience matters. When we combine our experience, the results will speak for themselves,” Wike said.
Wike thanked NEC members for attending the meeting at short notice and urged them to remain united and focused as the PDP works to reposition itself as Nigeria’s leading opposition party.