The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Nyesom Wike has vowed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will retrieve its mandate from the those who defected from the party.
Wike disclosed this at the National Convention of the party in Abuja on Sunday night.
Addressing delagates and other stakeholders, Wike, who was apparently referring to the Governors who recently left the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), lamented that “When the party needed leadership, so many party leaders decided to abandon the it.”
Wike said, standing firmly with the umbrella, “We overcame a tragic crisis of leadership, so huge that it threatened to destroy our beautiful party; together we fought against proponents of ethnic and geographic divisions; we trounced the naysayers who abandoned the core values upon which the party was built and in the process, arrested the party from the grip of those who abhor internal democracy and shun adherence to the rule of law.
“It is against this backdrop that I unreservedly congratulate all of you, who stood firm when the storm raged. You showed exemplary resilience when push came to shove; you refused to be downcast when those who pretended to be leaders of the party betrayed you disgracefully.
“Together, we are standing on the positive side of history with renewed energy, vision, and purpose, more united and committed to the task of making Nigeria a truly prosperous country.
“So, while they watched the ugly spectre of the infidelity of opportunistic elites that were gyrating from one party to another in the pursuit of selfish purposes, they remained faithful to the party, praying fervently for a renaissance to come. Their prayers have been answered by God, and that renaissance is here. Together with all and sundry across all the nooks and crannies of our country, we shall rebuild our party in such a way that would meet the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of Nigerians.”
Speaking on the crisis, he said “Our brothers and sisters, with whom we journeyed in agreement or disagreement, should all come and join us in rebuilding our party for the common and collective good of all and sundry. No one would be excluded, and everyone would be given an equal opportunity to serve in unity and love.”
On his part, former Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, said the convention is more than just a gathering, describing it as a reflection of unity and strength across the party.
He emphasised the need for selflessness, noting that sacrifice, justice, equity, and fairness must guide leadership.
Saraki, who had been in the vanguard of reconciliation of the PDP faction, stressed the importance of rebuilding the party and strengthening its vision for national progress.
He urged party members to remain united and committed, adding that everyone has a role to play in moving the party and country forward..