the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made it clear that he will not challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, despite being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a recent interview with BBC Pidgin, Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, dismissed any speculation about contesting for the presidency in the next election cycle.
“I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I’m working with. Who would win, if not him?” Wike said.
This declaration comes amid ongoing internal rifts within the PDP, following the party’s performance in the 2023 general election, which saw Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared president by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Wike Stands Firm with PDP Despite Party Disagreements
Wike, who lost the PDP’s 2023 presidential primary to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, expressed frustration over the party’s failure to zone its presidential ticket to the South. That decision, he said, deepened divisions within the PDP and contributed to its electoral setback.
Despite the disagreements, Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and said he would not succumb to pressure to defect.
“I cannot do that kind of thing (defect). I am not a fearful man. Am I a weak man? How will I build a house, and you will come and frustrate me to leave? Who will leave? You will leave; I will not allow you to spoil the house I built. I will remain,” Wike asserted.
He also criticized some prominent PDP figures for their lack of political relevance and inability to deliver electoral success in their respective states.
“Let me ask you? Who is in the PDP? Achike Udenwa, a former governor of Imo, does not have one National Assembly member… The former governor of Ebonyi State does not have one assembly member… You did not produce a governor, you are issuing threats. What are you threatening? You are empty,” he added.
Wike’s statement comes at a time when the PDP is grappling with a wave of defections. Key figures such as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his deputy, members of the State House of Assembly, and state executive council have reportedly joined the APC.
Former Delta State governor and 2023 PDP vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, is also reported to have aligned with the defections.
In Kebbi State, three PDP senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) have similarly moved to the APC, further weakening the PDP’s influence in the region.
With the PDP facing internal divisions and dwindling representation, Wike’s decision to stay and fight within the party could shape future efforts to rebuild its political base ahead of the next general elections.
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