Nyesom Wike reaffirms PDP as Nigeria’s sole opposition party after congratulating APC on bye-election victories
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has asserted that the Peoples Democratic Party remains Nigeria’s only credible opposition party, even as he congratulated the ruling All Progressives Congress on its success in Saturday’s bye-elections.
Also read: ADC Candidates Reject Adamawa LG Election Results
Wike made the remarks on Monday 22 June 2026 while commissioning a new Water Supply Network to Karu Satellite Town in the Federal Capital Territory, an event organised as part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
While acknowledging the APC’s victory at the polls, the former Rivers State governor insisted that the PDP continues to occupy a unique position in the country’s political landscape.
“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.
He added: “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 comments come shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared winners in several bye-elections held across the country on Saturday.
The polls tested the strength of major parties ahead of future major elections.
The Minister’s remarks underscore the PDP’s determination to reposition itself as a formidable opposition force despite recent electoral setbacks.
The party has faced internal challenges in recent years but still controls several states and maintains a significant presence in the National Assembly.
Political observers note that Wike, a prominent figure within the PDP, has continued to play a visible role in national discourse while serving in the Tinubu administration.
Also read: ADC Candidates Reject Adamawa LG Election Results
His latest statement seeks to project the PDP as a constructive opposition capable of holding the ruling party to account.
