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PDP Risks Extinction If It Loses 2023 Presidential Poll –Wike …Urges Party Not To Give Ticket To Potential Defectors
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might become extinct if it fails to present electable candidate to win the 2023 presidential election.
This is even as the presidential aspirant has advised the PDP not to allow any aspirant who would later defect with the party’s mandate to emerge as its presidential flag-bearer.
Wike, who is a PDP presidential aspirant, said winning the 2023 general election was crucial to the survival of the party, adding that he remains the most electable aspirant that can defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Rivers State governor made this assertion while wooing Anambra State PDP leaders and delegates to support his presidential ambition in Awka, the Anambra State capital, last Saturday.
He told the delegates that as a mark of honour, he had to personally visit Awka to formally notify them of his ambition to become the next President of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I didn’t send anybody to you, because I have respect for you. We have been opposition since 2015, and if we don’t win this election in 2023, we can as well forget PDP. So, everything must be done to win this election. No sentiment should be brought in, and of all the aspirants, whether the person is from Anambra, Sokoto, Imo, look at all of us, who can withstand APC in this election? It is me!”
The governor reiterated that prior to the 2015 general election, some of the present presidential aspirants defected to the APC and PDP lost the presidency.
He said it was ironical that after the PDP has been rebuilt and made formidable; those who abandoned it are back and jostling for the party’s ticket.
“I have challenged APC before. I have defeated them severally with the government in power. You know what happened in Rivers State. All I am asking the delegates, if you really want PDP to win this election in 2023, just give me that ticket. Go home and sleep with your eyes closed. I will win the election.”
Wike berated the APC-led Federal Government for its inability to stem the tide of insurgency and banditry in the country.
He maintained that any government that cannot protect lives and property has failed in its primary responsibility and should be voted out.
He reaffirmed that if elected President of Nigeria, he would end the current spate of insecurity, and return the country to the path of inclusive prosperity.
“Look, the day I win the general election in February next year, anybody who says he is a bandit; let him wait for me; I will take the war to them.”
He urged the delegates to support him, irrespective of their former governor, Peter Obi being an aspirant.
According to him, he remains the only electable presidential aspirant that can defeat the APC in 2023 general election.
In his remarks, former Gombe State Governor, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo, said the history of the PDP cannot be complete without Wike, who joined the party in 1998, and has remained a faithful, supportive member.
He described Wike as a courageous and fearless leader, who has in the last seven years, transformed the infrastructure landscape of Rivers State.
Also speaking, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Maxwell Okudoh, noted that if not for the effort of Wike, the party would have gone into extinction.
Okudoh declared that at this critical juncture in Nigeria’s history, a courageous and determined leader was all that the country requires to pull her out of the brinks.
Similarly, another member of the Board of Trustees, Mrs Chinelo Mofus, declared that the people of Anambra State were solidly behind Wike’s quest to become the next president.
“Our prayer is that God almighty will give you the victory. The people of Anambra are solidly behind you.”
Earlier, Wike had visited the Obi of Onitsha, Eze Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, to notify him of his presidential ambition.
During the visit, Wike promised that if elected president, he would ensure that traditional rulers are given constitutional role in the governance of the country.
Achebe, who described Wike as a courageous and focused leader, said the country was in dire strait and desperately needs a leader to restore her lost glory.
“You have been described by your brother governor as courageous, focused and as an achiever, and I can vouch for that because I have watched your performance and leadership. We pray to God that we get the right leadership to direct our country, and you have put yourself forward.”
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to allow any aspirant who would later defect with the party’s mandate to emerge as its presidential flag-bearer.
Wike, who is a PDP presidential aspirant, urged PDP delegates to vote for him during the party’s convention because he lacks the propensity to defect with the party’s mandate to another party, if he wins the presidential election.
The Rivers State governor stated this while wooing PDP leaders and delegates in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State, last Friday.
The governor said the advise had become imperative because of the defection of some governors, including that of Ebonyi State, Engr David Umahi and lawmakers from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
“I have never left this party one day. When PDP was in problem, I stood firm, and I said PDP will not die. Don’t give (presidential) ticket to the person who will run from the party tomorrow. I am the only person Nigerians know will not run from the party.”
Wike expressed optimism that a day of reckoning awaits all those who defected from the PDP to the APC.
According to him, the PDP would continue to fight against injustice meted on it by the defectors in order to strengthen the country’s democracy.
“My colleague, David Umahi, wherever you are, wherever you may be, hear me very well: PDP had sleepless nights, PDP won election, and you took the mandate of our people and went to another party. If you know you are a man and you are very strong, and any day they fix election you will win, I challenge you to resign as governor and contest election, whether you will win again.”
The governor urged Ebonyi delegates to support his presidential ambition because he was the only aspirant who has the capacity to defeat the APC in the 2023 presidential election.
Wike reiterated that PDP cannot afford another defeat in the 2023 general election.
To this end, he advised delegates to shun ethno-religious sentiments and vote for him to pull Nigeria out from the brinks.
“What PDP wants now is who can win election. It is not about where you come from. What the party wants today is who can win election for PDP. Give me this ticket, let me go and win APC for you.”
The PDP presidential aspirant, who lamented the spate of killings across the country, declared that if he emerges as the next Nigerian president, he would decisively tackle insurgency, banditry, and grow the national economy.
Wike disclosed that as President of Nigeria, he would encourage women and youths’ active participation in politics.
“If I am the President of this country, I will not have less than seven women as ministers. I will not have less than seven youths as ministers.”
In his remarks, Enugu State Governor, Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, commended PDP faithful for remaining steadfast despite the recent defection of some members of the party to the APC.
Also speaking, former Gombe State Governor, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo, told the delegates that Wike has the requisite experience to provide the good governance which majority of Nigerians were yearning for.
“Governor Nyesom Wike is the person that is prepared for the job in terms of his training, in terms of his character, courage, commitment to the party, and above all, his determination to work with all of you after he becomes the President of this country. He is strong, he has super energy.
“I have worked with a lot of people, including presidents, but I want to assure you today, Governor Wike is one of the real very active and strong people I have worked with in recent times. He is very strong, he is very committed, and he is very determined.”
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.