PDP has no chance in 2027 without ending internal divisions — Wike
…Challenges critics, says supporting Tinubu not a crime
…Vows to challenge NEC meeting without Anyanwu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the party risks another defeat at the polls in 2027 unless it urgently addresses its internal conflicts. He blamed the PDP’s leadership for fostering a culture of impunity, exclusion, and flawed political strategy.
Wike, who is the immediate past governor of Rivers State and a prominent figure within the PDP, made these remarks on Monday during a live media chat held in Abuja.
He expressed frustration over what he described as a repetition of the same political errors that led to the party’s loss in the 2023 general elections.
“There is no way PDP can win in 2027 if it continues to be plagued by internal disunity and self-interest,” Wike stated.
He added that the party’s leadership vacuum and its apparent tolerance of impunity had severely undermined its credibility as an effective opposition force.
The minister took particular aim at the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC), criticising the ongoing power struggle surrounding the position of National Secretary. He insisted that Senator Sam Anyanwu remains the rightful occupant of the post.
“Senator Sam Anyanwu must continue as PDP’s National Secretary until a valid national convention is held,” Wike declared.
He also vowed to contest the legitimacy of any NEC meeting conducted without Anyanwu serving in that capacity, referencing a Supreme Court decision which overturned a previous ruling by the Court of Appeal.
Turning to the matter of political alignments, Wike defended Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who have faced backlash for allegedly backing President Bola Tinubu.
“When people talk about the governor of Delta State and his predecessor moving to support APC, what exactly is their offence? That one said he would support Tinubu—is that a crime?” Wike queried.
He argued that supporting Tinubu should not be viewed as betrayal, pointing out that several high-profile PDP members have made similar political moves without drawing condemnation.
Wike went on to criticise PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, for what he described as double standards. He accused Wabara of hypocrisy for openly endorsing Labour Party Governor Alex Otti for a second term in Abia State while rebuking others within the PDP for their political affiliations.
On the situation in Rivers State, Wike confirmed that embattled Governor Siminalayi Fubara recently visited him in Abuja, accompanied by two governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), in an attempt to broker peace.
“Yes, he came with two governors and another individual, but unfortunately, the two governors are from the APC. I am not chasing him. He said he wanted peace, and I said I also want peace,” Wike said.
Despite that meeting, the minister voiced scepticism about Fubara’s sincerity and ability to lead reconciliation efforts. He pointed to continued attacks from the governor’s supporters and what he described as a failure to properly engage relevant stakeholders.
“People think this is just about saying, ‘I want peace,’ and then walking away. You must demonstrate through your behaviour and actions that you are genuinely committed. I told him, ‘Follow this path, and you won’t run into problems.’ But others told him, ‘Ignore Wike, assert your authority as governor.’ Now, you see the consequences,” he remarked.
Wike concluded with a firm admonition to PDP leaders, urging them to abandon the kind of political scheming and exclusion that he believes cost the party the last election.
“If you try to repeat the same tactics you used in 2023, it will explode in your face. I have told people that this supposed cleverness will not serve you. Wike is telling you now, end this false smartness,” he said.
