The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be unable to return to power in the 2027 general elections, citing what he described as poor and unfocused leadership within the opposition party.
Wike made the remarks on Monday during his end-of-the-year media chat, where he openly criticised the PDP’s current leadership, accusing it of lacking commitment, direction and the capacity to take constructive advice. According to him, unless urgent steps are taken to reposition the party, the PDP risks further decline.
The former Rivers State governor argued that the party’s leadership has failed to demonstrate the seriousness required to rebuild and regain public trust after successive electoral defeats. He suggested that, realistically, the PDP should shift its focus towards long-term recovery and begin preparing for the 2031 elections rather than harbouring unrealistic expectations about 2027.
“We have a leadership that is not focused, a leadership that does not know what to do, a leadership that does not consider suggestions,” Wike said. “If the leadership is committed, I will come back to say, look, we have made a mistake. Why is it that things are happening this way now? What can we do to correct it?”
He stressed that winning elections goes beyond merely seeking to take over government, noting that political parties must be strategically positioned, internally cohesive and guided by strong leadership. According to Wike, without these elements, electoral success would remain elusive.
“By 2027, it’s likely that we may not make it, but are we going to allow the party to die?” he asked. “Can’t we start rebuilding now ahead of 2031?”
Despite his critical tone, the minister maintained that the PDP is not beyond redemption. He insisted that with committed and decisive leadership, the former ruling party could bounce back and once again become a strong contender for power at the national level.
“There is nothing that is impossible once you are committed,” Wike said. “What is happening to my party is what I have predicted before. I warned that if things are not done in the right way, this is where we are going to find ourselves. No Nigerian can say they didn’t hear me. I have stated it numerous times.”
Wike emphasised that leadership remains the most critical factor in both political organisations and governance, warning that poor decision-making inevitably leads to negative outcomes.
“Leadership is crucial in everything we do, leadership in associations and in government is essential,” he added. “If leaders do not make the right decisions, we will face the consequences.”
His comments are likely to reignite debate within the PDP, which has been grappling with internal divisions, leadership disputes and questions over its strategic direction since losing power at the federal level.
