The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot realistically hope to reclaim the presidency until it resolves its internal divisions and rebuilds its political structures across the country.
Speaking during a media chat on Thursday, July 9, Wike said political parties must first establish strong grassroots organisations before setting their sights on winning presidential elections.
He also criticised the growing perception that Nigeria’s democracy revolves around a handful of opposition politicians.
“The only way people now say there is democracy is if the ADC or NDC participate in the election. Democracy, for us in Nigeria, has now been defined by whether Atiku participates or whether Peter Obi participates.
“If they don’t participate, people say there is no democracy. Democracy is not about only Atiku contesting or only Peter Obi contesting.
“I have told you that PDP had a problem. Now, having that problem is not easy. To put yourself back to winning the presidential election is not an easy task.
“You are not even talking about the ward election; it is difficult. What is more paramount to us is to build the party, show what you can do at the state level, get the ones you build and put the pieces together,” Wike said.
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The former Rivers State governor argued that no political party can win a national election without first resolving internal disputes and building structures across all 36 states.
“You have not even put your house in order, yet you want to win a presidential election. Do you know what it takes to have structures in all 36 states? Do you know what it takes to campaign across the country? Is it a two-month programme? It’s not,” Wike said.
He urged political parties to focus on strengthening their base through state-level victories before pursuing the presidency.
“What is more paramount to us Nigerians? Build a party, see what you can do at the state level, get the votes you can get, put your pieces together, then prepare,” Wike said.
The minister also rejected past accusations that he was secretly working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting he has always been open about his position.
“Was I not the one who was accused of being an agent of APC? Those who accused me, where are they? I am still here. Everybody knows what I have said. I have not hidden it, and I have told our party, ‘Let’s put our house in order,'” Wike said.
He concluded by reiterating that contesting for Nigeria’s highest office requires years of preparation and a nationwide political network.
“Do you know what it takes to have structures in 36 states? Even people who want to run for governor in their own state know the amount of planning involved. It is not an easy thing,” Wike added.