Wike Defends Support For Tinubu, Says PDP Can’t Win Presidential Poll

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing critique of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing its pursuit of the presidency as unrealistic given the party’s “deep” internal crisis.

Speaking to journalists yesterday after a routine project inspection, Wike dismissed criticism from party chieftains over his relationship with President Bola Tinubu, framing his stance as a necessary embrace of political realism rather than mere political posturing.

He fired back at former Anambra PDP chairman, Dan Ulasi, accusing his detractors of inconsistency and suggesting their attacks were a smokescreen for future defections to other parties, including the Labour Party.

Wike pointed out that those criticising him failed to deliver PDP victories in their states, citing the party’s poor performance in Anambra.

He also revealed that even unnamed presidential aspirants had privately admitted to him that winning the last election would have been difficult due to the party’s fractured state.

“You cannot contest for contesting’s sake,” Wike argued, insisting the PDP must first address logistical challenges before measuring up to the ruling party’s candidate.

According to the minister, the PDP’s path back to relevance lies not in presidential ambitions but in a total structural overhaul at the ward, local government, and state levels.

He pointed to the loss of several governorships as a major consequence of internal turmoil.

“Every election is local,” he said, stressing that success in one state like Rivers cannot be assumed elsewhere. His goal, he added, is to solidify the party ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

Amid the political friction, Wike emphasised that his administration remains focused on delivering quality through local empowerment.

He touted the success of using indigenous contractors for high-profile FCT projects, including the Abuja Customary Court Division, judges’ quarters, magistrates’ courts, bus terminals, and sports centres.

“Local firms handled these projects,” Wike said, adding that the administration has proven that domestic companies can meet high standards.