The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and other political groups have slammed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his open declaration to lead President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
Wike made the remarks during a media chat in Abuja, describing himself as a critical asset for Tinubu’s re-election bid. He denied allegations of anti-party conduct and dared the PDP to suspend him if it could.
In reaction, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, dismissed Wike’s comments, saying the party would enforce disciplinary actions. CUPP’s Publicity Secretary, Mark Adebayo, described Wike as a “hatchet man” working to weaken opposition parties. The NNPP vowed that Tinubu would lose the 2027 elections despite Wike’s support.
Wike defended his stance by citing the PDP’s failure to honour zoning agreements, leading him to oppose the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. He claimed he had achieved more for the PDP than many of its members.
“I am not a liability, I am an asset,” Wike declared. “Whether you want to die or not, I am an asset to making sure that Tinubu wins his second term.”
He further attributed the defection of key figures from the PDP in Delta and Akwa Ibom to the party’s leadership crisis and disregard for internal intelligence.
A senior PDP official stated that the party would act at the appropriate time, reaffirming its commitment to internal processes and rule of law.
Osadolor urged Nigerians to ignore Wike’s rhetoric, noting that his influence within the PDP has significantly waned. “No matter how much he cries or postures, Nigerians are already determined that this government will be a one-term government,” he said.
Chief Bode George, a PDP Board of Trustees member, rejected Wike’s alignment with Tinubu and reaffirmed the party’s intention to field a Southern candidate in 2027. He criticised defectors for abandoning the PDP and promised to lead its presidential campaign.
Okey Udo of the Action Democratic Party called Wike’s actions anti-party, while ex-APC presidential aspirant Charles Udeogaranya urged Wike to choose between PDP and APC.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, questioned Wike’s credibility as an opposition figure. CUPP’s Mark Adebayo also accused Wike of attempting to sabotage opposition parties on behalf of Tinubu.
NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson advised the PDP to rein in members like Wike, asserting that Nigerians would decide Tinubu’s fate based on their living conditions, not endorsements.
In Ogun State, PDP Publicity Secretary Kayode Adebayo stated that Wike should have been expelled for his continuous support of Tinubu, accusing him of working to destroy the PDP from within.
South-West PDP Vice Chairman Kamorudeen Ajisafe maintained that Wike was entitled to his personal opinion.
Bauchi State PDP Publicity Secretary Dayyabu Ciroma and Jigawa PDP’s Umar Kyari both condemned Wike’s intentions and warned that his actions would no longer be tolerated.
Defending Wike, APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, called him a democrat entitled to support his boss, President Tinubu, especially given his ministerial role.
Former Rivers media aide Opunabo Inko-Tariah and Rivers APC Chairman Emeka Beke criticised Wike for attacking ex-Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
Meanwhile, ex-PDP National Secretary Prof. Wale Oladipo acknowledged Wike’s dual role as both PDP BoT member and federal minister, noting that while unusual, such behaviour isn’t unprecedented. “The party will act appropriately at the right time,” he concluded.
ADEOLA KUNLE
