Selfish Interests May Harm PDP’s 2027 Winning Chances – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stands little chance in the 2027 elections unless it addresses internal divisions and self-interest.

Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike, a former Rivers State governor and influential PDP figure, expressed concern over what he termed the party’s self-inflicted challenges and leadership shortcomings.

“Leadership is key, if you don’t show the right leadership you will suffer for it and this is what I have been saying,” Wike stated, lamenting what he perceives as a vacuum of strategic direction in the party.

He also criticized the backlash faced by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, over their decision to back President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.

“When people talk about the governor of Delta State and his predecessor moving out of PDP to APC, what wrong did he do? That he said he was going to support Tinubu, that was the crime.”

Wike further questioned the lack of outrage over similar political alignments within the PDP, suggesting a double standard in the party’s internal politics.

“But the Chairman of the BoT who is the conscience of the party adopted Otti for second tenure. Why are people not commenting about that?
The Chairman of PDP BoT adopted Alex Otti, governor under Labour Party, for second tenure.”

“No opposition party allows impunity, it’s only the ruling party. Opposition is going to organize itself to take over the affairs of government.
How many times have they made efforts? How many people have you wooed? Rather they are after Wike; they abandoned what they are supposed to do – the only crime is that Wike is a minister under APC government.”

Highlighting his own influence, Wike pointed to his significant role in the 2023 general elections as a demonstration of his political strength.

“I’m the only former governor who did not support the presidential candidate but made sure PDP won 100 percent in the governorship, State Assembly and National Assembly.
Let any sitting governor or former governor come out to say that happened in their states.”

Wike ended with a foreboding note, suggesting that the same miscalculations that cost the PDP dearly in 2023 are being repeated.

“You want to play the same game you played in 2023, it will backfire. I have told people that this smartness will not help you. Wike is telling you now to stop this smartness.”