2027: Wike Warns PDP of Impending Failure, Urges Urgent Leadership Overhaul
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that the party risks losing the 2027 general elections if its internal crises remain unresolved.
Speaking during a media interaction in Port Harcourt on Monday, Wike expressed deep concern over the party’s prolonged instability, criticizing the current leadership as “unfocused” and resistant to correction.
The former Rivers State Governor argued that the party’s prospects for returning to power are being undermined by administrative incompetence.
“We have a leadership that is not focused, we have a leadership that does not know what to do or take any suggestions. If the leadership is like that, you say look by 2027, it is likely that we may not make it, but are we going to allow the party to die?” Wike stated
He urged the party to “make the right decision against 2027,” emphasizing that the PDP’s survival depends entirely on the quality of its leadership.
The FCT Minister also took aim at his former ally, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, regarding the recent PDP National Convention held in Ibadan on November 15.
Wike mocked the event and accused Makinde of seeking “absolute control” of the party, alleging that the governor secured an ex parte court order to force the convention to proceed.
The relationship between the two political heavyweights has deteriorated significantly in recent months. On December 23, Makinde publicly accused Wike of actively working to undermine the PDP to aid President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid.
Makinde alleged that during a meeting with the President, Wike offered to “manage the PDP” for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls—a move the Oyo Governor claimed was a calculated attempt to steer Nigeria toward a one-party state.
Makinde also revealed he had rejected a request from President Tinubu to help organize the APC in Oyo State, citing his loyalty to the PDP.
The PDP has been embroiled in internal conflict since the 2023 general elections. The sustained infighting has led to the defection of key stakeholders, including sitting governors, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike’s latest comments highlight the deepening fractures within the main opposition party as stakeholders maneuver ahead of the next election cycle.
