Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that the party risks losing the 2027 presidential election if it fails to reform its zoning system. Speaking during a live media parley on Monday, Wike accused party members of manipulating constitutional provisions for selfish interests during the 2023 elections, leading to PDP’s defeat.
Wike lamented the emergence of both the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and former chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, from the northern region, in violation of the party’s zoning tradition. He warned that repeating such political miscalculations in 2027 would further alienate critical stakeholders.
“If PDP does not take care, and I say it again, watch out for what will happen. Selfish interest can kill an organisation,” Wike stated, urging the party to openly zone its next presidential ticket to the South.
The former Rivers State Governor also addressed recent defections, defending Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his open support for President Bola Tinubu was politically pragmatic. Wike criticized the PDP for its failure to manage internal dissent, highlighting the party’s impunity and lack of effective leadership as key weaknesses.
Commenting on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, Wike revealed that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara had sought peace talks but accused him of undermining reconciliation efforts. Wike labeled Fubara’s predicament as a “self-inflicted injury,” citing ignored advice from prominent political leaders.
Meanwhile, PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) inducted 40 new members on Monday, including ex-governors Ibrahim Shekarau, Lucky Igbinedion, Babangida Aliyu, and other party stalwarts. BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara called on them to revive the party’s relevance ahead of future elections.
Despite internal efforts to bridge divisions, PDP continues to struggle with factionalism and defections, raising concerns over its electoral prospects in 2027.
