The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Nigeria’s foremost opposition party, insisting that it remains the only political party effectively challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike made the statement on Monday while congratulating President Bola Tinubu and the APC on their victory in the recent bye-elections conducted across the country.
The former Rivers State governor spoke during the commissioning of the Water Supply Network to Karu Satellite Town, one of the projects inaugurated as part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third year in office.
According to Wike, the outcome of the elections reaffirmed the existence of a vibrant opposition in Nigeria, with the PDP retaining its position as the principal challenger to the ruling party.
He noted that democracy thrives when there is both a governing party and a credible opposition capable of holding those in power accountable.
“Let me use this opportunity to congratulate your party for winning Saturday’s bye-elections and also congratulate my party for maintaining its position as the opposition,” Wike said.
“In every political setting, there must be winners and an opposition. Today, we have seen the ruling party and the opposition party.
“The opposition is not about talking but about challenging the ruling party, and we are the only party challenging the ruling party. Therefore, we are the leading opposition party.”
Wike’s remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and debates over the strength of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike also stressed the importance of a responsible opposition in strengthening democratic governance, noting that political competition should focus on presenting alternative ideas and policies that benefit Nigerians.
The FCT minister maintained that despite the challenges facing the PDP in recent years, the party remains a formidable political force with structures and supporters spread across the country. He expressed confidence that the party would continue to play a significant role in Nigeria’s democratic process.
His comments come at a time when political parties are beginning to position themselves ahead of future electoral contests, with analysts closely monitoring the balance of power between the ruling APC and opposition parties across the country.
