Wike Fires At ADC, Others: “You Can’t Call Yourselves Opposition Without Winning Elections

According to Ireporter Online, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that political parties cannot legitimately describe themselves as opposition groups unless they have recorded electoral victories, insisting that mere alliances or public declarations are not enough to establish political strength.

Wike made the remarks on Friday during a visit to the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, where he also expressed support for the party’s newly inaugurated National Working Committee and reaffirmed his loyalty to the leadership.

He dismissed the notion that smaller or emerging parties can assume the role of opposition without proven success at the polls, stressing that electoral performance remains the true measure of political relevance and credibility in Nigeria’s democratic space.

During the visit, the former Rivers State governor noted that his presence was aimed at showing solidarity with the new PDP leadership and encouraging efforts to stabilise and reposition the party. He acknowledged that the PDP had experienced internal crises but maintained that progress was being made toward resolving its challenges, even as he emphasized the need for greater sacrifice and commitment.

Wike further urged party leaders to prioritise reconciliation, particularly by reaching out to members who had defected, adding that many of them remain politically interested in returning, often influenced by opportunities within the party structure.

He also cautioned against distractions such as ongoing legal disputes, expressing confidence that the PDP could overcome its internal and external challenges if it remained united and focused on rebuilding.

He was quoted as saying that no political group can legitimately claim opposition status without winning elections, while reaffirming his support for the PDP leadership and acknowledging that although the party has faced difficulties, it is gradually recovering through collective effort.