* We’re here to renew and not mourn PDP-Ag Chairman, Mohammed
By Jude Opara, Abuja
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Nyesom Wike has declared that the party will be contesting the presidential election. He spoke on Sunday during the national convention of the party held at the velodrome centre of the National stadium, Abuja.
Wike who is also the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) maintained that as long as the PDP is concerned, it has navigated through the crisis that has rocked it since after the 2023 elections, adding the party has been rebuilt and ready to compete in the election.
He also took a swipe at the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi for leaving the party due to the crisis that it faced, saying it has shown that he is not capable of solving problems.
In the same vein, the former governor of Rivers state, while tackling those who defected from the PDP following the lingering crisis, charged them to return the mandate of the party they took away when they defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He equally heaped encomium on the members of the party who have remained steadfast and faithful despite the difficulties the party faced.
Earlier in his welcome address, the acting Chairman of the party, Abdulrhaman Mohammed said the time has come for the rebirth of the party.
Mohammed said instead of people to mourn over the plight of the once ruling party, that they should rather braze up for its rebirth and renewal.
His words, “We gather here after a difficult season, a season of disagreements, a season of legal contestations, a season that tested the strength and soul of this party. But let it be said clearly, the PDP has not come here to mourn itself. The PDP has come here to renew itself.
“This convention is therefore not just about elections, it is about restoration. Not just about offices, it is about order. Not just about positions, it is about purpose.
“We are gathered under the compelling and forward-looking theme. This theme is not a mere slogan; it is a strategic imperative. It speaks directly to our present reality and defines the pathway to our collective future.
“It calls on us to close ranks, rebuild trust, and reposition our party as the foremost platform for democratic governance in Nigeria”.
He also thanked the National Leader of the party, Barr. Nyesom Wike for his resilience in carrying the responsibility of supporting the party.
In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 as amended, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was on hand to observe the convention with Prof Sani Adams leading the team.