Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a leading figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike, has urged party members to prepare for an intense political battle ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that political power can only be won through determination and struggle.

Speaking at the PDP’s 109th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Wike challenged party faithful and candidates to remain resilient in the face of intimidation, arrests, and legal battles, stressing that electoral success is earned through perseverance.

“Nobody gives power. Power is taken. You must fight for it to take it. Nobody gives power, and nobody is ready to dash you power. You have to struggle for it. You have to fight for it. You don’t have to be afraid,” he declared.

The former Rivers State governor urged party members to focus on delivering tangible political results rather than excuses, emphasizing the importance of grassroots mobilisation and active participation in the party’s electoral strategy.

“Everybody, go home, bring something, and put it on the table in 2027. If you bring a House of Representatives member, you have done something. If you bring an assembly member, you have done something. But don’t come here with empty hands,” Wike said.

According to him, political struggles are a natural part of the democratic process and should be seen as evidence of commitment to a cause rather than reasons for discouragement.

Wike also expressed confidence in the PDP’s preparations for future elections, assuring members that the party remains focused despite internal and external challenges.

“As far as I am concerned, June 26 is when they will give the access code to political parties to upload results. Don’t worry, we are good to go. Nobody is afraid of court; courts are meant for human beings, not ghosts,” he stated.

The FCT minister maintained that the PDP would emerge stronger from its current difficulties and continue to play a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s political future.

“After the 2027 elections, we’ll come back here and thank God for keeping our party alive. We may not be in a position to say we must get everything, but with a strong opposition, we can remain relevant and determine our future,” he added.

Earlier, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, called on members to close ranks and strengthen party unity ahead of upcoming electoral contests.

He commended party leaders, state chairmen, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) for successfully conducting recent primaries and sustaining the party’s structures despite prevailing challenges.

Also speaking, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, appealed for reconciliation among party members and urged them to put internal contests behind them.

“The primaries have come and gone. The contest is over. The time for unity, reconciliation and collective action is now. There must be no victors and no vanquished,” Ohuabunwa said.

He further called on party leaders to intensify membership drives and voter registration efforts across the country, noting that the PDP’s electoral fortunes would depend largely on its ability to reconcile aggrieved members, expand its support base, and mobilise voters effectively.

“Indeed, our strength lies in our unity. When we work together, victory becomes achievable. When we become divided, our collective resolve is weakened,” he said.