…as Wike cautions against what he described as a dangerous drift within the PDP.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a series of stern political declarations ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, warning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against internal sabotage, rejecting calls to re-admit former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and urging former President Goodluck Jonathan not to return to partisan politics.
In a no-holds-barred media chat in Abuja, Wike cautioned against what he described as a dangerous drift within the PDP, particularly amid renewed efforts to draft Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race.
“I know Jonathan very well. He enjoys being respected internationally as a statesman, and I believe he will continue in that role,” Wike stated. “People pushing Jonathan, what strength do they have? Were they not the same people who worked against him in 2015?”
The former Rivers State Governor dismissed those lobbying for Jonathan’s return as opportunists and warned that the PDP risks self-destruction if it fails to resolve ongoing disputes ahead of its November convention in Ibadan.
“For Christ’s sake, nobody should create problems for the party,” he said. “When you cause problems, you are the one to blame.”
On the growing speculation about bringing Peter Obi back to the PDP, Wike was even more scathing. Describing Obi’s past departure from the party as rooted in disdain, he questioned the wisdom of allowing such a return.
“Obi was abusing the party, saying it is rotten. So now the party is suddenly good enough for him to come and contest on its platform?” he asked. “If you want to destroy this party, then bring Obi back.”
He added with biting sarcasm, “Some people, because of ambition, can even go to Satan’s house.”
Wike also expressed concern over the PDP’s upcoming national convention, noting that unresolved issues could overshadow the event itself.
“The issue of the convention is not the problem,” he said. “The issue is the problems leading to the convention, and people should understand that.”
On his own political future, Wike categorically ruled out a presidential bid in 2027, reiterating his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu.
“I will not run. I have integrity and I have character,” he declared. “There is no way my appointer is there, and we are saying he should run, and then I turn around and say I want to contest?”
Wike also joined former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in criticizing Peter Obi’s one-term presidency proposal, describing it as unrealistic and deceptive.
“Don’t tell Nigerians such a story,” he said. “When you get there, you will now find out if you will run for a second or third term.”
His remarks come amid rising political maneuverings in both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP, as the race for 2027 begins to shape narratives and redraw alliances.
For Wike, the message was clear: party unity must not be sacrificed on the altar of ambition and the PDP, if careless, could be courting disaster.
