Wike to PDP governorship candidates: power must be fought for, not given

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has advised candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking elective positions, particularly governorship aspirants, to prepare for tough political battles, stressing that power is never handed over freely.

Wike made the remark during the PDP’s 109th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

According to him, anyone seeking political office must be willing to struggle for it, noting that his own political journey was marked by intense contests rather than easy victories.

“Nobody gives power, and nobody will dash anyone power. Whoever is seeking power must be ready to struggle for it,” he said, recalling that his bid for a local government chairmanship position eventually ended at the Supreme Court.

His comments come amid renewed speculation about his political future following recent praise from leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Earlier this week, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda expressed admiration for Wike’s performance as FCT minister and jokingly said he wished the ruling party could lure him away from the PDP.

However, the PDP has dismissed any suggestion of losing Wike to the APC. The party recently described him as one of its finest political assets and insisted that his role in President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains a temporary arrangement.

In a statement, PDP spokesman Jungudo Mohammed maintained that the party has no plans to part ways with Wike despite interest from the ruling party.