In a frank assessment of the party’s current state, Wike emphasized that the PDP’s lack of strong leadership and unity could ultimately hinder its ability to reclaim power in the 2027 elections. He made these remarks during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, where he expressed deep concern over what he believes is a self-inflicted crisis within the opposition
Wike described the leadership vacuum within the PDP as a major factor that has contributed to the party’s decline. He pointed to the absence of a clear strategic direction, which he believes has allowed selfish ambitions and personal interests to overshadow the collective goals of the party. “Leadership is key, if you don’t show the right leadership, you will suffer for it. This is what I have been saying,” Wike remarked.
This leadership crisis, Wike argues, is compounded by internal divisions that have made it difficult for the PDP to function effectively as an opposition party capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike did not hold back in criticizing the political dynamics within the PDP. He referenced the recent defections of prominent politicians, including the Governor of Delta State and his predecessor, who moved from the PDP to the APC. Wike questioned the backlash these leaders received for supporting President Bola Tinubu, stating that there was no real justification for their actions to be criticized so harshly. “What wrong did they do? That they said they were going to support Tinubu, that was the crime?” he said.
He also drew attention to the apparent double standard within the party, citing how the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP publicly supported the re-election bid of Alex Otti, a governor from the Labour Party, for a second term. Wike called out the lack of vocal criticism over this move, highlighting the inconsistencies in the party’s approach to political alignments.
One of the strongest points Wike made during the briefing was his warning against exclusionary politics within the PDP. He cautioned party leaders that sidelining key figures and undermining the contributions of others could have dire consequences for the party’s future. “If PDP doesn’t take care, watch out for what will happen because selfish interest can kill an organization,” he said. He emphasized that the party must avoid repeating the mistakes of the 2023 elections, where exclusionary tactics and lack of unity played a role in the party’s poor performance.
Wike also reminded the PDP leadership of his own contributions during the 2023 elections. He pointed out that, despite not supporting the party’s presidential candidate, he ensured that the PDP won 100 percent of the governorship, State Assembly, and National Assembly elections in Rivers State. “Let any sitting governor or former governor come out to say that happened in their states,” he added, underlining his importance within the party.
With the 2027 elections fast approaching, Wike delivered a stark warning to the PDP: “You want to play the same game you played in 2023, it will backfire. I have told people that this smartness will not help you. Wike is telling you now to stop this smartness.”
He urged the PDP leadership to reflect on its past mistakes and adopt a more inclusive and strategic approach in order to have a fighting chance in the 2027 elections. Wike’s message is clear: the party must unite, put aside personal interests, and focus on what is best for the PDP and Nigeria as a whole.
Nyesom Wike’s comments serve as a wake-up call for the PDP as it navigates its internal divisions ahead of the 2027 elections. With his decades of political experience and influence within the party, Wike’s warning should not be taken lightly. The PDP must address its leadership vacuum, tackle selfish ambitions, and find a way to unify its members if it hopes to mount a serious challenge to the APC in the next general election.
The clock is ticking for the PDP. If the party fails to heed Wike’s advice and continue down the path of division and exclusion, it may find itself once again sidelined in the political race, with little hope of reclaiming power in 2027.