WIKE WARNS PDP OF LOOMING DEFEAT IN 2027: BLAMES INTERNAL SELFISHNESS AND ZONING CRISIS

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that it risks another defeat in the 2027 presidential election if internal disputes and zoning irregularities remain unresolved. Speaking during a live media parley on Monday, Wike expressed deep concern over what he described as “manipulation of constitutional provisions” by party leaders during the 2023 elections.

The former Rivers State governor stressed that the failure to adhere to the party’s zoning arrangement was a pivotal error in 2023. According to Wike, both the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the then National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, emerged from the northern zone—contradicting PDP’s tradition of rotational zoning. “It is in our constitution, it is in our tradition—when a zone takes the chairmanship, the other should take the presidential candidacy,” Wike declared, warning that repeating the same mistake in 2027 will cost the PDP dearly.

Wike emphasized that “selfish interests” led to the zoning violation, accusing key players of arrogance and exclusionary tactics. “You’ve not won an election and you’re excluding people. Selfishness can kill an organization,” he warned, urging the party to openly declare a southern presidential candidate for 2027 to restore balance and fairness within the party.

Leadership Crisis and Defections Rock the PDP

Since the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, the PDP has been plagued by persistent internal strife, particularly across state and zonal chapters. Wike pointed out that the unresolved vacancy of the National Secretary since December 2024, alongside leadership conflicts—especially in the South-South region—have deepened the crisis. Despite interventions by the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BoT), and the PDP Governors Forum, attempts to heal divisions have failed, leading to high-profile defections.

Wike referenced the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other key officials to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a major blow to the PDP. He defended their actions, asserting that political loyalty to President Bola Tinubu was not a crime. “Smart politician,” he said of Oborevwori, adding, “He said he would support Tinubu. He did not hide. But the BoT Chairman adopted Alex Otti of Labour Party—why is no one talking about that?”

Wike accused the PDP of being unprepared to function as an opposition party, blaming impunity and poor leadership. “Opposition should organize itself to take over power, not behave like it’s in government. But the PDP is busy chasing one man—Wike—while ignoring the real issues,” he lamented.

Rivers State Crisis: “Self-Inflicted Injury,” Says Wike

Touching on the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, Wike revealed that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara had approached him alongside two APC governors for peace talks. However, the minister cast doubt on the governor’s sincerity, noting that his actions contradicted his words. “He says he wants peace, but his people are demonstrating and insulting leaders on TV. That’s not how peace works,” Wike said.

He recounted previous efforts to counsel Fubara, in the presence of Governors Seyi Makinde and former Governors Ortom, Ikpeazu, and Ugwuanyi. According to Wike, Fubara was advised to avoid conflict but refused to listen. “We told him—go this way, you will avoid trouble. But he let others deceive him to ‘assert’ himself. Now the state is in crisis,” he said.

Wike warned of the possibility of a state of emergency if peace was not restored. “If this problem is not settled and a state of emergency is declared, who suffers? It’s the people of the state. This is a self-inflicted wound,” he declared, calling on Fubara to act with maturity and show commitment to peace by engaging the State Assembly and other key stakeholders.

BoT Inauguration: Wabara Urges Unity, Responsibility

Meanwhile, former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Adolphus Wabara, inaugurated new BoT members on Monday in Abuja. The newly inducted members include notable political figures such as former governors Ibrahim Shekarau, Lucky Igbinedion, Babangida Aliyu, and ex-Ministers Labaran Maku and Mohammed Daggash.

Wabara used the occasion to charge the new trustees to rise to the challenge of rebuilding the PDP. “Your appointment is a call to uphold the unity, integrity, and vision of our party. As the conscience of the party, the BoT plays a vital role in offering wise counsel and fostering stability,” he said.

He emphasized that the PDP must reclaim its relevance by staying true to its founding principles. “Let us uphold the vision of our founding fathers and restore the PDP as the leading force in Nigerian politics,” he said, urging the new trustees to serve with integrity, transparency, and loyalty.

BoT Members Vow Rebirth Amid Internal Turmoil

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated BoT members, former PDP South-West National Vice Chairman, Eddy Olafeso, described the ceremony as a new beginning. “This marks a fresh start for our party. The responsibility ahead is enormous, but we are committed to repositioning the PDP as a viable political alternative,” he said.

The inauguration comes amid revelations from a February media report that 85 out of 127 BoT members had disengaged from party activities, rendering the board ineffective. The revitalization of the BoT is expected to serve as a stabilizing force within the PDP, tasked with conflict resolution, ethical enforcement, and safeguarding the party’s assets and policies.

With the PDP facing a tough path ahead, analysts suggest that the party’s survival and future electoral success may depend on how quickly it addresses its internal contradictions, reforms its zoning arrangements, and unites its fragmented ranks. As Wike warned, “If they play the same game in 2027, it will backfire.” The clock is ticking.