FCT minister says opposition alliance with APC was key to PDP candidate’s loss
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he refused to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the 2024 Edo State governorship election because he did not want former governor Godwin Obaseki to determine his successor.
Mr Wike made the remarks on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the rainbow coalition in Abuja, where he discussed the political realignments that shaped the election.
He said elements within the PDP worked alongside members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure the APC’s victory.
Mr Wike’s comments suggest that opposition to Mr Obaseki’s influence over the succession process was a major factor behind his decision not to back Mr Ighodalo, who was the PDP’s candidate.
The minister has remained at odds with sections of the PDP leadership following disagreements over the party’s internal affairs and its direction after the 2023 general election.
The Edo governorship election, held in September 2024, was won by the APC’s Monday Okpebholo, who defeated Mr Ighodalo and other candidates.
Mr Wike’s latest remarks highlight the divisions within the PDP and the role of internal rivalries in the party’s performance in the election.
