Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has called on the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to address its internal conflicts or risk losing its chance to contend for major political offices in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a media chat in Port Harcourt, Wike expressed concern that the PDP’s prospects of regaining power are diminishing due to ongoing internal discord. He criticized the party’s current leadership for lacking focus and failing to address its systemic issues.
“We have a leadership that does not know what to do or take any suggestions. If the leadership is committed and comes back to say we have made a mistake, we need to make corrections… it is likely that we may not make it,” Wike stated.
He urged the party to begin rebuilding and making strategic decisions for the future, emphasizing that the potential survival of the PDP hinges on its leadership’s effectiveness.
The PDP has faced significant challenges since the 2023 elections, losing several key members, including serving governors, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike also criticized the party’s recent National Convention, alleging that Governor Seyi Makinde sought to control the party through questionable means, including obtaining a court order for the convention to proceed. The strained relationship between Wike and Makinde has become increasingly public, following allegations from Makinde that Wike was attempting to weaken the PDP in favor of Tinubu’s ambitions.
Makinde asserted that Wike had promised to support Tinubu ahead of the upcoming elections, raising concerns about the erosion of the opposition’s strength, thereby pushing Nigeria toward a one-party system.
The ongoing feud between the two political leaders highlights the growing rifts within the PDP, as they navigate their ambitions and the party’s future ahead of the 2027 elections.
