Additional reporting by Aisha Mohammed
Abuja, April 18, 2025 – In a scathing critique that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) woefully unprepared to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. Speaking at a high-profile media parley in Abuja, Wike painted a grim picture of a fragmented PDP, riddled with internal strife and lacking the structural backbone to mount a formidable opposition.
### Wike’s Damning Verdict
Wike, a former PDP heavyweight and ex-governor of Rivers State, did not mince words. “The PDP is not ready for the 2027 election. It is very obvious,” he asserted, likening the party to a student who pretends to study but is caught unprepared for exams. He pointed to the party’s fractured leadership, incessant power struggles, and dwindling grassroots support as evidence of its crumbling foundation. “There is no structure, no cohesion. The PDP is distracted, and distraction cannot win elections,” Wike added, his remarks sparking heated debates across political circles.
The minister’s comments come amid growing concerns about the opposition’s ability to unseat the APC, which has consolidated power since its 2015 victory. Wike highlighted stalled coalition talks among opposition leaders, noting that divergent interests have derailed efforts to form a united front. “Everyone is chasing their own agenda. There’s no synergy,” he lamented.
### A Party in Turmoil
Wike’s assessment is not without basis. The PDP, once Nigeria’s dominant political force, has been plagued by internal crises that have eroded its influence. The 2023 elections exposed deep fissures, particularly with the emergence of the G-5 group—led by Wike—which openly opposed the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. The fallout from that rebellion continues to haunt the PDP, with defections to the APC and Labour Party weakening its ranks.
Recent developments have only deepened the crisis. Disputes over the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and the national secretary position have paralyzed the party’s leadership. The National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, intended to resolve these issues, was marred by delays and accusations of sabotage. In Abia State, over 100 PDP members recently defected to the Labour Party, citing frustration with the party’s direction. Across the country, lawmakers and grassroots supporters have similarly jumped ship, leaving the PDP’s structure in tatters.
Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, former Kano State Governor, echoed Wike’s sentiments, warning that the opposition coalition lacks a stable political framework to challenge the APC. “Without a clear structure and unity, 2027 will be a walkover for the ruling party,” Shekarau told reporters in Kano.
### Wike’s Motives Under Scrutiny
Wike’s remarks, however, are not without controversy. As a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led government, his loyalty to the PDP has long been questioned. His role in the G-5’s sabotage of Atiku’s 2023 campaign and his subsequent appointment to the APC administration have fueled accusations of double-dealing. Critics argue that Wike’s critique is a calculated move to undermine the PDP and bolster the APC’s prospects.
“Wike is no longer one of us. He’s speaking for his new masters,” said a PDP stalwart, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Others, however, see truth in his words. “Love him or hate him, Wike is right. The PDP is a shadow of its former self,” admitted a party chieftain in Rivers State.
### PDP Fights Back
Despite the grim prognosis, some PDP leaders remain defiant. Kola Ologbondiyan, former National Publicity Secretary, dismissed Wike’s claims as “the rants of a turncoat.” He insisted that the PDP’s institutional strength would see it through. “We’ve faced crises before and emerged stronger. By 2027, the PDP will be ready to lead Nigeria again,” Ologbondiyan told our correspondent.
Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, has been actively pushing for a coalition to counter the APC. While these efforts have hit roadblocks, Atiku remains optimistic, urging opposition leaders to prioritize national interest over personal ambitions. “The PDP is the backbone of the opposition. We will reorganize and come back stronger,” he said in a recent statement.
### The Road to 2027
With two years until the 2027 elections, the PDP faces a daunting task. Analysts warn that resolving internal conflicts, rebuilding grassroots structures, and forging a viable coalition are critical to its revival. The party’s ability to hold a successful national convention and unify its factions will be a litmus test of its readiness.
Meanwhile, Wike’s remarks have ignited a firestorm on social media. Posts on X reflect a mix of despair and defiance among PDP supporters, with some declaring the party “dead” and others calling for urgent reforms. “Wike has spoken the bitter truth, but it’s not too late for the PDP to wake up,” one user wrote.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, Wike’s warning serves as both a wake-up call and a challenge for the PDP. Whether the party can rise from its ashes or succumb to its internal demons remains to be seen. For now, the opposition’s path to victory appears fraught with obstacles, and the APC is watching with keen interest.
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