Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, has issued a stark warning that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) risks jeopardizing its prospects in the 2027 elections unless it addresses internal divisions and self-serving agendas.
Speaking at his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike expressed grave concerns about what he termed the party’s self-inflicted wounds and failures in leadership.
“Leadership is crucial. If you fail to provide the right leadership, you will face the consequences,” Wike stated, highlighting a perceived lack of strategic direction within the party.
He also addressed the criticism directed at the current and former governors of Delta State regarding their political choices, particularly their decision to support President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“When people criticize the Delta State governor and his predecessor for moving to the APC, I ask: what is the real issue? Is it a crime to support Tinubu?” Wike questioned, urging a more balanced perspective on political alignments.
Wike pointed out the silence surrounding similar decisions made within the PDP, specifically referencing the party’s Board of Trustees Chairman, who endorsed Alex Otti, a governor from the Labour Party, for a second term.
“Why is there no outcry when the Chairman of the BoT, who is supposed to be the conscience of the party, supports Otti? This double standard needs to be addressed,” he said.
He criticized the PDP leadership for tolerating impunity and failing to act as a credible opposition party capable of challenging the ruling APC.
“No opposition party allows impunity; that is the hallmark of a ruling party. An effective opposition must organize itself to take over government, yet the PDP seems more focused on targeting individuals like myself rather than fulfilling its responsibilities,” he remarked.
When asked directly if he was tearing the party apart, Wike shot back: “No, I’m building it. Why are some people leaving? Their fear is ‘I don’t know who will sign our documents’, because the constitution says correspondence to INEC must be signed by the National Chairman or National Secretary.”
He highlighted the current confusion within the party over the legitimate holder of the National Secretary position and how that could jeopardize key electoral processes.
Wike reminded party members of his significant contributions during the 2023 general elections, asserting, “I am the only former governor who did not support the presidential candidate but ensured that the PDP achieved a 100 percent victory in the governorship, State Assembly, and National Assembly elections. Let any sitting or former governor contest that claim.”
He cautioned PDP leaders about the dangers of exclusionary politics and internal manipulation, warning that “selfish interests can destroy an organization.”
“If the PDP does not take heed, it will face dire consequences. You have not won an election, yet you continue to exclude people,” Wike stated.
Concluding his remarks, he warned that the same missteps that cost the PDP dearly in the 2023 elections are being repeated.
“If you intend to play the same game as in 2023, it will backfire. I have cautioned that this kind of cleverness will not serve you well. It is time to stop this approach,” he concluded.
