Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he was instrumental in building the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into a major political force both at the national and state levels.
Wike made the statement during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, while responding to criticisms from Chief Bode George, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees.
Bode George had faulted the sealing of the PDP National Secretariat over unpaid ground rent, indirectly pointing fingers at Wike.
In response, Wike fired back:
“If an elderly man has no job, he should sit at home and read his newspapers.”
Wike defended the rent issue, stating that neither he nor the PDP could pay the debt because the property was not registered in their names.
He also addressed claims that the party gave him national recognition.
“Bode George said PDP made me popular. Yes, but it’s the candidate that makes a party win elections — not the other way around.”
Wike further questioned PDP’s performance in George’s home state of Lagos:
“Since 1999, who has Bode George made popular in Lagos? Meanwhile, in my state, we campaigned and made PDP win.”
He also recalled the party’s efforts during the Goodluck Jonathan era, suggesting that while they gave their all, internal challenges held the PDP back from retaining power.
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