2027 Presidency: PDP Not Ready, Should Target 2031 — Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be ill-prepared to win the 2027 presidential election, advising the opposition party to begin strategising for the 2031 polls.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and influential figure within the PDP, made the assertion during political engagements in Rivers State, where he reviewed the state of national politics ahead of the next general election.
According to him, the PDP’s internal challenges and lack of cohesion could hinder its chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that the party must be realistic about its electoral prospects.
The FCT minister reiterated his belief that the presidency should remain in the South until 2031, arguing that political equity demands that the region completes its expected eight years in office.
“It is about fairness and stability. The South must complete its eight years. After 2031, we will all understand the direction the country should take,” Wike said.
Wike, who has remained a vocal supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu despite being a PDP member, noted that support for the current administration should not be reduced to party loyalty but should be seen as a national interest decision.
His remarks come at a time when the PDP is grappling with leadership disputes, zoning controversies and lingering fallout from the 2023 elections, factors analysts say have weakened the party’s standing ahead of 2027.
Although the PDP recently zoned its presidential ticket to the South, the decision has continued to generate mixed reactions within the party, with concerns over unity and credibility persisting.
Wike has consistently dismissed rumours linking him to a 2027 presidential ambition, maintaining that he has no intention of contesting and remains committed to supporting President Tinubu’s administration until 2031.
The comments have further fueled debate within political circles, with some PDP members accusing the minister of undermining the party, while others see his stance as a candid assessment of current political realities.
Source: Daily Post, NAN