By Deborah Nnamdi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the internal crisis that rocked the party has subsided, announcing an open-door policy for former members willing to return.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Wike described politics as a game rather than a “fight to finish,” urging aggrieved politicians to put aside their differences in the interest of the party’s progress.
Addressing the fallout from the party’s recent national convention, the former Rivers State governor said the period of internal disputes had passed, noting that the focus had shifted to reconciliation and rebuilding.
“As far as I’m concerned, the convention has come and gone. People are trooping in. I will say, the door is open. Yes, we have had a crisis. Now the crisis is over. Do we still have to shut our doors? No. Certainly not,” he said.
Wike disclosed that several former members who had left the party had already indicated interest in returning, adding that the political atmosphere was becoming more accommodating for those ready to contribute.
He also criticised the do-or-die approach often associated with Nigerian politics, warning that such a mindset makes reconciliation difficult.
“Politics is not a fight to finish. It’s like a game, like a football. If you see it as a do-or-die, it becomes difficult to reconcile. For us, it’s not that way,” he said, adding that past disagreements should not hinder collective progress.
The minister further advised aspiring candidates to remain active and visible, stressing that political relevance is earned through consistent engagement and hard work.
“There’s no doubt that we have a lot of work to do, but what is important is that we have put the convention behind us,” he added.
The PDP has been grappling with a leadership crisis since 2025, with rival factions holding separate conventions and contesting control of the party in court, raising concerns about its unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
