The Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday presented certificates and nomination forms to its candidates ahead of upcoming elections, as the party’s National Leader, Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, urged members and aspirants to stop complaining and instead organise, struggle, and fight for political power.
Wike, speaking at the 109th National Executive Committee meeting held at the PDP national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, said the Independent National Electoral Commission’s issuance of the access code for political parties to upload their 2027 candidates would ultimately affirm the party’s legitimate leadership.
INEC has scheduled June 26 for the release of the access code to political parties for the submission of candidates contesting elective offices.
Wike also charged NEC members to return to their constituencies, mobilise support, and deliver tangible political results ahead of the 2027 elections.
He stated, “Let me say one thing today that should be clear to everybody. Most of you are people who are used to food being ready. Yes, because you are not used to fighting; you don’t fight. You are not used to challenges. You are used to people preparing something for you and saying, Come and eat, and you think it will always be like that. It cannot always be like that.
“A time will come when there will be challenges in life. A time will come when you will be tempted in life. I happen to come from a background where I have never gotten anything on a platter of gold. At the local government level, the matter ended in the Supreme Court. Just an ordinary local government matter ended in the Supreme Court. When I don’t see challenges, I know that something is wrong. But when I see challenges, I know success has come.
“So, most of you were always used to coming and taking when the PDP was in power, like spoiled children every day, depending on what their father had provided. It appears your father is sick now, with nobody to provide, and you think that the whole world has ended. If you take the challenge that your father is sick and say, no, I will not disappoint my father. I will work hard to survive. I liken it to the situation when the PDP was in power.
“We are no longer in power. You have people who are now in power. Nobody gives power. Nobody has done it. Power is taken. If you do not do so, that is your business. You must fight for it to take it. Nobody gives power, and nobody is ready to dash you of power. You have to struggle for it. You have to fight for it. You don’t have to be afraid.”
Wike cautioned PDP members against blaming governors and other political office holders for the party’s challenges, stressing that political power is not freely given but must be won through hard work, organisation and determination.
He said those who struggle for power appreciate its value more than those who have it handed to them.
Wike stated, “I don’t want to hear people say, forget it, it is about your faith. Why do you bring your faith into this race? Everybody should go home, bring something, and put it on the table in 2027. Go and bring something. If they want to kill you, die and leave this thing you are looking for. I will bring something to the table here. NEC members have to bring something. If you bring a House of Representatives seat, you have done something. If you bring an Assembly member, you have done something.
“But don’t come here empty-handed. This is not a place for empty hands. This is a place where you come, and we look at the results of what you have delivered. That is what politics is all about. Governorship candidates should believe they will be governors. The way you move, people will see whether you will be governor or not. Psychologically, your supporters are watching you. The way you talk to them matters. When they are calling you, you should be telling them that there is hope, so that everybody will have hope.
“Nobody ever believed that today we could be here issuing nomination forms, that our people would attend NEC meetings. But see where we are today. As far as I am concerned, June 26 is when they will give access codes to political parties to upload results. Don’t worry, we are good to go. Nobody is afraid. We will see who INEC will give the code to.
“It is not about collecting money from people and saying we are in court. Nobody is afraid of the court. Courts are meant for human beings, not ghosts.
So, we are here. We are not afraid. Let them continue going to court while we continue to prepare for our own election. Don’t worry. Stop thinking about what will happen. The worst has happened.”
Earlier in his remarks, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, commended party leaders, members and stakeholders for their commitment to the unity and growth of the party, describing their attendance at the 109th NEC meeting as a demonstration of confidence in the PDP’s ability to provide democratic leadership and national development.
He commended state party leaders for conducting peaceful primaries, describing the exercise as evidence of the PDP’s commitment to internal democracy and fairness.
Mohammed also expressed confidence in the PDP’s chances in future elections, urging members to remain united and work towards greater electoral success.
He stated, “We have absolute confidence in the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission to continue strengthening the electoral process and providing a level playing field for all political parties in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
“We urge all stakeholders to continue supporting efforts aimed at consolidating our democracy and enhancing the credibility of future elections.
“As a party, we remain committed to peaceful politics, electoral integrity, respect for democratic institutions and adherence to the rule of law.”
On his part, the Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, expressed gratitude to party leaders, NEC members and stakeholders at the party’s NEC meeting, while apologising for the postponement of the Board of Trustees meeting due to logistical challenges.
He also congratulated all PDP candidates emerging from the primaries and called for unity, reconciliation and stronger mobilisation ahead of the elections.
Ohuabunwa urged members to intensify voter registration and work collectively to secure an electoral victory for the party.
He stated, “As leaders, we must ensure that every member of our party feels valued and carried along. We must reach out to those who may have grievances. We know that in every contest where two or more people are involved, there will always be winners and those who are disappointed. However, I believe it is the responsibility of the party, and most especially the Board of Trustees, to ensure that every member of this party remains united.
“Those who feel aggrieved must be approached and reconciled. There must be no victors and no vanquished. Our focus must now be on the bigger task of winning elections and providing credible leadership for our people.
“The Board of Trustees, therefore, calls on all stakeholders to close ranks, strengthen internal cohesion and place the interests of the party above personal ambitions. History has shown that whenever the PDP stands united, it remains an unstoppable political force.”
PDP BoT Chairman urged party leaders to intensify membership drive and voter registration ahead of the elections, strengthen grassroots structures, and mobilise supporters, adding that electoral victory depends on active voter registration and positioning the PDP as a credible option for national development.
He continued, “The responsibility before us is enormous. The road to victory requires sacrifice, discipline, effective organisation and unity of purpose. We must strengthen our structures, empower our grassroots networks, support our candidates and engage constructively with the electorate.
“The National Executive Committee must continue to provide the strategic leadership necessary to guide our party through this period. Together, we must ensure that the PDP remains united, focused and prepared to meet the aspirations of Nigerians.
“It is important that we work together. Indeed, our strength lies in our unity. When we work together, victory becomes achievable. When we become divided, our collective resolve is weakened. As we move forward, let us remain steadfast, committed and focused on our common objective.
The PDP leadership presented Certificates of Return to its 2027 presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, as well as governorship candidates and other candidates.
