Wike Fires Opposition: You Can’t Call Yourselves Opposition Without Winning Elections

He made the statement on Friday during a visit to the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, where he also expressed support for the party’s new National Working Committee.

Wike dismissed claims that smaller or emerging parties can assume opposition status without proving themselves at the ballot box, insisting that electoral performance remains the true measure of political relevance in Nigeria.

During the visit, he said he was at the PDP secretariat to reaffirm his backing for the new leadership and to encourage unity as the party works to resolve its internal challenges.

He acknowledged that the PDP had experienced a turbulent period but noted that efforts toward recovery were ongoing and would require discipline, sacrifice, and commitment from members.

The former Rivers State governor urged the party leadership to prioritise reconciliation, especially by reaching out to members who had defected, adding that many of them could still return for political reasons such as party tickets.

Wike also cautioned against distractions, including internal legal disputes, expressing optimism that the PDP could overcome its challenges if it remained focused and united.

He said: “You cannot become an opposition party without winning an election. Those who say they are leading the opposition have not contested any election successfully.

“My coming here is to reassure you of my support. I have come to pledge my loyalty to the National Working Committee.

“Yes, we have crisis, and we have almost come out of it. It will require hard work and sacrifice to move the party forward.”