The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said on Monday that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could still wax stronger if it addresses its current leadership challenge.

Mr Wike, during his end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt, noted that things could get better for the party if its leadership learnt to do things the right way.

The PDP is currently facing mass defections following the lingering leadership crisis that threatens the party’s existence.  

The minister recalled warning the PDP leadership that if things were not done properly, the party could find itself in a very unfavourable situation.

“Leadership is very key to everything you are doing, whether in association or in government. If the leader does not make the right decision, everything will go wrong.

“We have had this kind of problem before, and the party did not collapse; nobody defected because the leadership was committed to ensuring that certain things were done to keep the party afloat.

“But when you have a leadership that is not focused, a leadership that is selfish and does not understand that politics is different from business, of course, you are bound to see what you are seeing today,” he said.

Describing the PDP as a “well-known party” to all Nigerians, Mr Wike said that the party was now taking the back seat.

According to him, the PDP is where it is today because its leadership lacks focus, is unsure of what to do, and does not take suggestions.

He expressed optimism that the party would bounce back if the leadership was committed to doing the right thing by acknowledging its mistakes, taking steps to correct them, and moving forward.

The minister argued that party membership was largely based on what members contributed to its growth and development, not just on carrying a membership card.

(NAN)