Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has responded to criticism from PDP chieftain Chief Bode George regarding the recent sealing of the opposition party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
The political tension escalated last week when George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman, condemned Wike’s actions as “sacrilegious” and accused him of betraying the party that launched his political career.
“In regards to the locking up of our Party Secretariat, it is absolutely sacrilegious, unacceptable and culturally inadmissible. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Wike—this is the party that brought you to life,” George had stated.
During a media briefing on Monday, Wike countered George’s assertions, arguing that individual politicians build party popularity rather than the reverse.
“Bode George said the PDP made me; it gave me a national name. I agree. The party cannot make you; you’re the one who makes the party popular to win elections. The party cannot say we are popular; it is you, individuals, who make the party popular,” Wike asserted.
The FCT minister challenged George’s logic by pointing to the PDP’s poor electoral performance in Lagos State.
“Look at it this way: I agree that PDP made me. Ask Bode George, who did PDP make in Lagos? If it’s that party that makes… who in Lagos did the party make?” Wike questioned.
He emphasized that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the PDP has failed to produce any significant political office holders from Lagos at the national level.
“Since 1999, not one assembly, not one house of rep, not senate, not anything. And then, you’re talking to me who has laboured, campaigned and worked for the party to be the major party in the state and at national level,” Wike stated.
