Posted by Chinenye on Fri 17th Apr, 2026 - tori.ng
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has stirred political debate after declaring that true opposition legitimacy is earned only through electoral victory, not mere "political declarations" or coalition building.
(Minister Nyesom Wike. Photo Credit: The Whistler Newspapers)
No political organization can claim to be a legitimate opposition party without first winning elections, according to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
Wike made the remark on Friday while meeting with members of the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) new National Working Committee (NWC) at Wadata House, the party's national secretariat in Abuja.
He believes that in opposition politics, legitimacy is gained at the polls rather than through coalition building or political declarations. “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."I'm here to reassure you that I'm with you. "I have come to swear allegiance to the National Working Committee," he declared.
Although he admitted that the party has experienced an internal crisis, he stated that efforts were still being made to restore stability and unity inside the PDP.
He stated, "Yes, we are in a crisis, but we are on the verge of recovering." To advance the party, sacrifice and hard effort would be necessary. 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.
He also encouraged the leadership to remain focused despite ongoing political and legal challenges, expressing confidence in the party’s future."We have won both the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court. We will be saved by the same God. "Remain focused and collaborate as a team," he continued.
Abdulrahman Mohammed, the PDP National Chairman, responded by stating that the new leadership was dedicated to repositioning the party and winning back the public's trust before upcoming elections.