Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he played a vital role in building the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into a major political force both nationally and at the state level.

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike responded to criticisms from PDP Board of Trustees member, Chief Bode George, over the sealing of the party’s national secretariat due to unpaid ground rent.

Wike explained that neither he nor the party could settle the rent since the property is not registered in their names. He dismissed George’s comments, advising the elder statesman to “sit at home and read newspapers” if he had nothing to do.

The minister acknowledged the PDP gave him a platform but insisted it was his efforts that brought electoral victories to the party. He questioned the PDP’s success in Lagos under George’s leadership and recalled the struggle to win during the Jonathan administration.

Wike’s remarks come amid growing tension within the PDP over the secretariat closure and internal party leadership issues.