The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ruled out his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), from winning the 2027 presidential election.
Wike also warned that selfish interests may destroy the party and derail its chances in the 2027 elections.
He made these comments during his monthly media chat with selected journalists in Abuja on Monday. He stressed that leadership is key, and that a failure to demonstrate it would have consequences.
“When people talk about the governor of Delta State and his predecessor moving out of the PDP to the APC, what wrong did he do? That he said he was going to support Tinubu—is it a crime?
But the chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), who is the party’s conscience, adopted Otti for a second tenure. Why are people not commenting on that? The chairman of the PDP BoT adopted Alex Otti, a governor under the Labour Party, for a second term.
No opposition party allows impunity—only the ruling party. The opposition is supposed to organise itself to take over government. How many times have they made efforts? How many people have they wooed? Instead, they are after Wike. They abandoned what they were supposed to do. My only crime is that I am a minister under the APC government.”
Highlighting his electoral achievements under the PDP, Wike said:
“I am the only former governor who did not support the presidential candidate but ensured PDP won 100 per cent in the governorship, state assembly, and National Assembly elections. Let any sitting or former governor say the same happened in their states.”
The minister warned that if the PDP failed to address its internal issues, the situation could worsen.
“You have not won an election, yet you are excluding people. It will backfire if you try to play the same game you played in 2023. I’ve told people—this smartness will not help them. Wike is telling you now to stop this smartness.”
Okowa’s Defection a Smart Move
Wike also described former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a “smart move,” expressing surprise that the PDP failed to foresee it.
“If you do not show leadership, you suffer for it. This is what I have been saying. When people talk about the Delta State governor, his deputy, and their team moving to the APC, what wrong did he do?
He said he was going to support the president—is that a crime?
But the chairman of the BoT, the party’s conscience, adopted Alex Otti for a second term. Why are people not talking about that?
He adopted a Labour Party governor for a second term. This man said, ‘I won’t do that kind of pretence; I won’t stay here and support someone else.’ Smart politician.
I’m surprised the PDP said they didn’t see it coming.”
Wike Accuses Governors Of Fuelling Rivers Crisis
Meanwhile, Wike accused some governors of fueling the political crisis in Rivers State.
During the same media chat in Abuja, he claimed certain governors instigated the rift between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He confirmed, however, that Fubara had initiated a peace move by visiting him alongside two APC governors.
Wike mocked Fubara, saying those who encouraged him were still secure while he faced isolation.
“Governors came pushing him—where are they now? I think the governors are enjoying their own. Fubara is a young man. I warned him: ‘Go this way, go that way, and you’ll avoid problems.’”
The minister also doubted that lifting the state of emergency earlier imposed on Rivers by President Bola Tinubu would resolve the crisis.
“Assuming the problem isn’t resolved and the state of emergency is lifted, will it end the crisis? No. The Assembly will still be firm. They won’t pass your budget.”
Wike said he told Fubara during the reconciliation meeting that peace was not possible while his supporters continued hostile actions.
“I told him I don’t think you can make this peace. It’s not easy. Your people demonstrate daily, even as you claim to seek peace.
You’re making peace, yet your people are on television insulting others,” he said.
God of PDP Is Not Asleep – Wabara
Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, said the God of PDP never sleeps despite the crisis rocking the party.
Speaking at the inauguration of new BoT members in Abuja on Monday, Wabara expressed optimism for the party’s future.
“I am overwhelmed, and I’m sure my colleagues and friends here are equally overwhelmed to see and witness that we still have this retinue of quality Nigerians in this great party. The BoT has always contended that the PDP shall not die. That is manifesting now.”
He described the new inductees as a distinguished group whose dedication and loyalty earned them places on the board.
Wabara reminded them that their appointment was a call to uphold the party’s integrity, unity, and vision for a democratic Nigeria.
“As custodians of the party’s conscience, the BoT plays a critical role in offering wise counsel, fostering stability, and aligning decisions with the PDP’s core objectives.”
Acting PDP National Chairman Iliya Damagum, represented by acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, noted that the BoT is the party’s conscience, constitutionally charged with guiding the PDP.
“We in the NWC are here as your chief servants, ready to rely on your advice and guidance,” Koshoedo said.
Ortom, Aliyu, Igbinedion, Shekarau, 35 others emerge PDP BoT members
The new members of the PDP BoT who were inaugurated yesterday include former Governors Samuel Ortorm (Benue), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Lucky Igbinedion (Edo), Gayius Ishaku (Taraba) and Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano).
Others include Labaran Maku, former minister of information under former President Goodluck Jonathan; former Senator Zainab Kure, and former member of the House of Representatives Auwal Tukur.
Others are Onikepo Oshodi, Hamid Badamasi Bello Suleiman, Mohammed Gusau, Bagudu Hilse, Mustapha Kabir, Zainab Galadinma, Chinwe Onuora, Gbenga Onigbogi and Mulikat Ladoja.
Secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Markarfi disclosed that 23 of the new members were nominated by their states, while 16 represent zones.
We‘ll Soon Receive You Into APC – Ganduje Tells Lamido
APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and dismissed reports that he plans to rejoin the PDP.
Responding to former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido’s claims that the APC would disintegrate and its defectors would return to the PDP, Ganduje countered that Lamido would soon join the APC.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje said:
“Rather than me returning to a failing opposition, the APC will soon receive Lamido. He won’t know where else to go—the PDP is dead.”
Ganduje noted the APC’s growing strength under President Bola Tinubu, citing high-profile defections.
“With such overwhelming support, the APC is focused on consolidating achievements and preparing for victory in 2027.”
He urged Lamido to concentrate on resolving the PDP’s internal issues instead of speculating.
Ganduje also reiterated his commitment to internal party democracy and sustainable governance.
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