Wike says PDP crisis over, declares doors open for returnees

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the internal crisis within the party has largely settled, while announcing that the party remains open to welcoming back former members.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike compared politics to a football match rather than a battle to the end, urging aggrieved members to move past their differences in the interest of unity and progress.

Reacting to the aftermath of the party’s recent national convention, the former Rivers State governor emphasized that the period of internal conflict was over, noting that the PDP is now prioritizing reconciliation and rebuilding.

He stressed that the party’s doors remain open, adding that many former members who left have already indicated their willingness to return, as the political atmosphere becomes more accommodating for those ready to contribute.

Wike also criticized the “do-or-die” mindset often associated with politics in Nigeria, warning that such an approach makes reconciliation difficult. He described the party’s challenges as temporary disagreements rather than a lasting division.

According to him, genuine commitment to the party would make it easier for members to come together and move forward collectively.

The minister further advised aspiring politicians that relevance in politics is achieved through active participation and hard work, not merely by holding titles. He hinted that individuals who remain inactive may not be taken seriously in future elections.

While acknowledging that there is still work to be done, Wike maintained that the party has moved beyond the convention and is focused on the future.

The PDP has been facing a leadership crisis since 2025, with rival factions organizing separate conventions and engaging in legal battles over control of the party—raising concerns about its unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.