The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has claimed credit for the rise of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a dominant political force, stating that his efforts helped elevate the party’s influence at both state and national levels.
Wike made the remarks during his monthly live media chat held in Abuja on Monday, June 2, where he addressed recent criticism from PDP chieftain and Board of Trustees member, Chief Bode George.
Chief George had faulted the sealing of the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja over unpaid ground rent, calling it a politically insensitive move. But Wike dismissed the criticism, saying that neither he nor the PDP could pay the rent because the property in question was not legally registered in their names.
In a sharp rebuke to the elder statesman, Wike defended his political track record, citing his pivotal role in the PDP’s electoral victories in Rivers State and his extensive campaigning efforts nationwide. He questioned Bode George’s legacy in Lagos State, accusing him of failing to make the party relevant there since 1999.
Wike blast Chief Bode George
“I cannot pay because, first of all, it is not in my name. They cannot pay because the property is not in their name. If an elderly man has no job, he should sit at home and read his newspapers.
“Bode George said PDP made me by giving me a national profile, and I agree. But the party does not make you; you are the one who makes the party win elections.
“Ask Bode George who PDP has made popular in Lagos since 1999? You are speaking to me, someone who has laboured and campaigned for the party to become the major political force at both state and national levels.
“Meanwhile, in his state, the party has been struggling daily. Even when Jonathan was in power, we knew what we did for PDP to take over power, but it did not succeed,” he stated.
