The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not prepared for the 2027 general elections. He also criticised the recent appointment of an acting national secretary by the PDP Governors Forum, saying it was unconstitutional and further evidence of the party’s internal disarray.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Friday, Wike didn’t mince words. He said the PDP is pretending to prepare for elections but is “doing nothing in the library,” pointing to unresolved power struggles and lack of sincere leadership.
“As of today, the PDP is not ready for the 2027 general election. That is very obvious,” he said. “This is not about whether you like me or not. The real issue is: is what I’m saying true?”
Wike also addressed allegations that he has been bitter since losing the party’s 2022 presidential primary and not being selected as the vice-presidential candidate.
“People say I’ve been bitter. No. I simply made the decision that suited me and others made theirs. Let them face the consequences of their decisions, and I’ll face mine.”
He faulted both sides in the PDP — those advocating for a coalition and those insisting the party go it alone — accusing them of acting out of self-interest rather than for the good of the party.
“Will I support the PDP in 2027? If they continue like this, then no. I don’t play hide and seek. If they don’t put their house in order, they will lose.”
Wike criticized the PDP Governors Forum for overstepping its bounds, especially regarding decisions that should be handled by the National Working Committee (NWC).
“The governors’ forum is not an official organ of the party. You can’t appoint a national secretary or form zoning committees. Those powers belong to the NWC and must follow due process.”
He warned that the same mistakes made in 2023 — like impunity and violating the party’s constitution — are being repeated and will hurt the PDP again in 2027.
On Rivers State Crisis
Wike also addressed the political crisis in Rivers State, revealing that he would have preferred that Governor Siminalayi Fubara be impeached rather than have a state of emergency declared.
“As a politician, I am not happy about the state of emergency in Rivers State. I wanted the outright removal of Governor Fubara. The president saved him.”
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, suspending the governor, his deputy, and the state legislature. He also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as administrator of the state.
Wike said the declaration was a huge favour to Fubara, who would have been impeached otherwise. He even suggested Fubara and his allies should be grateful to Tinubu.
“The governor was gone. Yes! So, when people say the president did this, I say they should be praising him. Every morning, they should go and ask, ‘Can we wash your feet for saving us?’”
He also expressed frustration that the governor and his camp have done nothing to restore peace in Rivers since the emergency was declared.
