PDP will shock Nigerians in 2027, says Wike
By Seyifunmi Azeez
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will “shock Nigerians” in the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence in the party’s chances of regaining political strength.
Wike spoke on Friday after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja, the venue for the party’s National Convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.
“The PDP will shock Nigerians in 2027. We are working towards rebuilding confidence and ensuring that the party returns stronger,” he said.
The minister also dismissed an appeal filed at the Supreme Court by the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the party, describing it as inconsequential to preparations for the convention.
“The appeal has no effect on the convention. We are focused on what is important, which is strengthening the party and preparing for the future,” Wike said.
He maintained that the convention would proceed as planned, stressing that internal reconciliation efforts would continue alongside party activities.
“The convention will go on as planned. Reconciliation is a continuous process. It does not stop because you are holding a convention. After the convention, we will continue to engage those who feel aggrieved,” he said.
Wike, who was accompanied by key party figures including Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu; Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Mohammed Abdulrahman; and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, said the party remained united despite internal disagreements.
According to him, the PDP’s structure allows for diverse interests, noting that disagreements are natural in a large political organisation.
“There is room for accommodation. The PDP is a very large party. The umbrella is wide enough to accommodate everyone. In any organisation, there will be grievances. What is important is how you manage them in the overall interest of the party,” he said.
On zoning, Wike said the party had reached a consensus on the distribution of key positions, with the presidency zoned to the South and the chairmanship to the North.
“We have zoned our positions. The presidency has been zoned to the South, while the chairmanship is zoned to the North. This arrangement will make the process smoother and more acceptable to all,” he said.
He added that the party was presenting a more united front ahead of the convention, unlike in previous years.
“For the first time, we are not talking about a so-called unity list that reflects divisions. Everyone has agreed on the direction we are taking. There are no factions,” he said.
Assessing preparations for the convention, Wike expressed satisfaction, saying arrangements were nearly complete.
“This visit is to look at the final preparations. We are about 95 per cent ready, and by tomorrow everything will be set. Seating arrangements for all states have been concluded, and the VIP section is also ready. We do not expect more than 2,500 delegates,” he said.
The convention is expected to bring together delegates and stakeholders from across the country as the party seeks to consolidate its structures ahead of future elections.