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Rivers State Governor and influential Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Nyesom Wike, has vowed that the party’s national convention will “restore its mandate,” challenging PDP governors and members who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other parties. Wike made the remarks during a public address in Port Harcourt, emphasising unity and resilience amid internal party crises that have seen defections and legal disputes.
Addressing supporters, Wike criticised defectors for abandoning the PDP at a time he says the party should be consolidating its position ahead of the 2027 general elections. He reiterated that the upcoming convention will reassert the PDP’s legitimacy and leadership, and insisted that internal differences should not overshadow the party’s broader mission to offer credible political alternatives to Nigerians. Wike also called on stakeholders to engage in dialogue and recommit to shared values as part of reform efforts.
Political analysts say Wike’s stance reflects broader struggles within the PDP to balance unity with competing power blocs, especially as defections have heightened concerns about the party’s viability. While some governors who left have cited governance and strategic differences, Wike maintained that the convention process will reaffirm the party’s direction and strengthen its base, even as internal rivalry and legal challenges persist.
