The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) have sharply criticised Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for his public declaration to lead President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
During a media chat in Abuja, Wike described himself as an indispensable asset in Tinubu’s political success, while challenging his critics within the PDP to suspend him if they could. “I am not a liability, I am an asset,” he declared.
Wike, a former Rivers State Governor, accused the PDP of sidelining southern interests in the 2023 presidential elections, arguing this justified his refusal to endorse the party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar. He defended his continued membership in the PDP despite backing Tinubu, stating he remains loyal to his principles of equity and justice.
The PDP, however, dismissed Wike’s claims, with Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor calling his comments inconsequential. “Wike’s influence within the PDP has waned,” he stated, urging Nigerians to ignore his theatrics. Party officials have also hinted at disciplinary actions against the minister for alleged anti-party activities.
Opposition groups, including the CUPP and NNPP, have also criticized Wike’s stance. CUPP Publicity Secretary Mark Adebayo described Wike as a “hatchet man” for the President, accusing him of weakening the opposition. Similarly, the NNPP asserted that the hardships faced by Nigerians under Tinubu’s administration would lead to his defeat in 2027, regardless of Wike’s support.
Prominent PDP leaders like Chief Bode George expressed confidence in fielding a strong southern candidate to challenge Tinubu in the next election. George criticised defectors from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing such moves to opportunism rather than genuine political alignment.
Meanwhile, the APC has defended Wike’s position, with Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim describing him as a democrat exercising his right to support the President. Ibrahim argued that Wike’s endorsement was logical given his role as the FCT Minister under Tinubu’s administration.
As debates around Wike’s political loyalty continue, critics and supporters alike agree that the minister’s actions reflect the broader challenges of party discipline and unity within Nigeria’s political landscape. The coming months are expected to test the resilience of the PDP as it navigates internal divisions while preparing for the 2027 elections.
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