The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that no political group can claim to be a true opposition party without first winning elections.
Wike made the comment on Friday during a visit to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat, Wadata House, in Abuja, where he met with members of the party’s new National Working Committee (NWC).
According to him, credibility in opposition politics is earned at the ballot box, not through political statements or coalition arrangements.
“You cannot become an opposition party without winning an election. Those who say they are leading the opposition have not contested any election successfully,” he said.
He insisted that electoral performance remains the true measure of political relevance in any democracy.
Wike also used the visit to restate his support for the PDP leadership, saying his presence was to show solidarity with the new NWC as the party works to recover from internal challenges.
“My coming here is to reassure you of my support. I have come to pledge my loyalty to the National Working Committee,” he said.
He acknowledged that the party had faced an internal crisis but said efforts were ongoing to rebuild unity and stability within the PDP.
“Yes, we have crisis, and we have almost come out of it. It will require hard work and sacrifice to move the party forward,” he said.
Wike urged the PDP leadership to focus on reconciliation, especially reaching out to members who had left the party, noting that many still have an interest in returning.
“Reach out to them. Most are concerned about opportunities, including tickets. You know what to do,” he advised.