Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that the party has no realistic path to victory in the 2027 general elections unless it urgently addresses its internal divisions and self-serving leadership.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike decried what he described as the party’s internal sabotage, leadership failure, and lack of strategic direction.
“Leadership is critical. Without it, a party will suffer—and that’s exactly what’s happening in the PDP,” Wike stated, pointing to a growing leadership vacuum and lack of cohesion within the party ranks.
He criticized the backlash directed at the current and former governors of Delta State over their decision to support President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling it a double standard.
“What wrong did they commit by choosing to support Tinubu? That was their so-called crime. But nobody is talking about the PDP Board of Trustees Chairman endorsing Alex Otti, a Labour Party governor, for a second term,” Wike said, questioning the party’s selective outrage.
The FCT Minister also condemned what he called the party’s tolerance of impunity, arguing that the PDP is failing in its role as an opposition party.
“No serious opposition tolerates impunity. Opposition parties are supposed to organize and strategize to reclaim power. How many reconciliation or outreach efforts have been made? Instead, they’re fixated on Wike—because I’m a minister in an APC government,” he said.
Highlighting his influence in the last election cycle, Wike noted:
“I’m the only former governor who didn’t support the PDP presidential candidate in 2023, yet ensured the party won 100 percent in Rivers for the governorship, State Assembly, and National Assembly. Let any other governor show similar results.”
He cautioned party leaders against exclusionary politics and warned that internal manipulation and selfish interests could destroy the PDP’s chances in future elections.
“If the PDP isn’t careful, 2027 will repeat 2023’s mistakes. You haven’t won an election, yet you’re already sidelining key figures. This so-called political smartness will only backfire,” he said.
Wike concluded by urging party stakeholders to abandon what he described as shortsighted political games and focus on uniting the party ahead of the next election cycle.
