PDP Win 2027 Presidency looks difficult, says Nyesom Wike, as he urges the party to rebuild structures and fix internal divisions
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces a difficult task winning the 2027 presidential election unless it rebuilds its internal structures and resolves its ongoing political disputes.
Also read: Atiku Warns Tinubu: Nothing Must Happen to Peter Obi
Wike made the remarks during a media chat in Abuja on Thursday, where he argued that political parties must first establish strong grassroots networks and internal stability before seeking national power.
The former Rivers State governor said the PDP’s current challenges make a return to the presidency a difficult ambition without significant organisational changes.
“The only way people now say there is democracy is if the ADC or NDC participate in the election. Democracy, for us in Nigeria, has now been defined by whether Atiku participates or whether Peter Obi participates,” Wike said.
He argued that democracy should not be measured only by the participation of individual opposition figures, adding that political parties require broader structures to compete effectively.
Wike said the PDP must focus on rebuilding from the ward level, strengthening its presence across states and demonstrating its ability to deliver results before targeting the presidency.
“You have not even put your house in order, yet you want to win a presidential election. Do you know what it takes to have structures in all 36 states?” he asked.
The minister stressed that nationwide elections require years of preparation, organisation and grassroots engagement rather than short-term campaigns.
According to Wike, political parties should first focus on state-level performance and develop a reliable support base before pursuing national leadership.
“What is more paramount to us Nigerians? Build a party, see what you can do at the state level, get the votes you can get, put your pieces together, then prepare,” he said.
Wike also dismissed previous accusations that he was working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he had remained open about his political positions.
“Was I not the one who was accused of being an agent of APC? Those who accused me, where are they? I am still here,” he said.
The FCT minister has remained a central figure in discussions around opposition politics since the PDP’s internal disagreements following the 2023 presidential election.
Also read: Atiku Warns Tinubu: Nothing Must Happen to Peter Obi
He maintained that winning the presidency requires strong party machinery, saying no political organisation can succeed without effective structures across the country.
