Wike Warns PDP Against Repeating 2023 Mistake, Demands Southern Presidential Ticket in 2027
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, warning that failure to do so could lead to another electoral disaster.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, the former Rivers State governor said the party’s refusal to adhere to zoning arrangements in 2023 created internal divisions that contributed to its defeat.
Wike maintained his loyalty to the PDP but insisted he would not support any form of injustice within the party.
“In 2023, we told the party that it’s in our constitution and tradition to respect zoning. But because of selfish interests, they manipulated the process. Some people rushed to buy forms and we knew it was over. We warned them that the consequences would be dire,” Wike said.
He added that despite the presidency currently being held by a southerner, the PDP must make a clear and public commitment to zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
“If you repeat the same game you played in 2023, it will backfire. And when it does, they’ll start blaming others,” he said.
Wike dismissed rumours that he plans to dump the PDP, stating, “I don’t want to leave the party, but this injustice must stop. I will not support it.”
Responding to claims that his stance is tearing the party apart, he said, “No. If you obey the constitution of the party, there will be no issue. But when you ignore the rules, you endanger the party’s survival.”
He accused the party leadership of failing to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling on internal matters and warned that a leadership vacuum now threatens the PDP’s structure.
Wike also addressed the wave of defections, including those of the Delta State governor and his predecessor, defending their right to align with President Bola Tinubu.
“Is it a crime to say you support the President? The PDP Board of Trustees chairman backed Alex Otti of the Labour Party for a second term, but no one is talking about that,” he said.
He claimed he had warned some PDP governors about the impending crisis but was ignored.
Clarifying his own role in the APC-led government, Wike said he never endorsed Tinubu during the presidential race but ensured the PDP won all elections in Rivers State.
“The only crime is that Wike is a minister under APC. But I never supported Tinubu during the campaign. I simply delivered 100% for the PDP in Rivers State,” he said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
