Abuja: Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says there is still room for those who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to return to the party.
Wike, the PDP national leader, made this remark on Monday at the party’s 108th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
He urged the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee (NWC) to intensify reconciliation to fortify the party.
“Now we are together, we must not stop at reconciliation. The more, the merrier. It would be nonsense to say that those who have defected should be let go. No.
“Chairman and team, form a strong committee to reach out to defectors.”
“There is still room for their return, and their entitlements will be honoured,” he said.
Wike said most of the defectors left because of uncertainty, adding that most politicians would find somewhere to get succour.
“Now the party is back and set for the ballot. If approached, I believe defectors will reconsider and support us.”
“On my own part, let me assure you I’ll continue to support the party. I’ll remain loyal to the party.
“I have been a PDP member since 1998 and will not leave. That is the truth,” he said.
On pending cases before the courts, the minister expressed confidence in the party’s lawyers, saying, “They are doing a great job.
“Also, God, who has led us this far, can never abandon us. So, if God had wanted to abandon us, we wouldn’t have started winning, and we will continue to win by the grace of God,” he said.
Wike congratulated the NWC for reclaiming Wadata Plaza, the party’s secretariat.
“Congratulations. After your inauguration, you boldly reclaimed the secretariat where we meet today.”
“What shows that you are the authentic PDP is that you are holding your meeting at the national secretariat. If there’s any other PDP, let them come to the national secretariat and hold their own meeting,” he said.
Earlier, Mohammed said the PDP wants all defectors back, noting efforts to reach out for genuine reconciliation.
He emphasised the need for unity among PDP members for the party’s collective survival and success.
Also, the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, called for genuine reconciliation, saying, “The party’s national convention had come and gone. What now remains is a united party.”
