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The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), among others, have sharply criticized the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, for publicly announcing his intention to spearhead President Bola Tinubu's re-election campaign in 2027.
During a media interaction in Abuja on Monday, Wike portrayed himself as an essential asset in securing Tinubu's victory in the upcoming election.
He also asserted his non-involvement in any anti-party actions and challenged the PDP to suspend him if they believed otherwise.
In his response, PDP's Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, urged the public to dismiss Wike’s statements, indicating that the party would soon take disciplinary measures against him.
CUPP’s Publicity Secretary, Mark Adebayo, referred to Wike as the “President’s hatchet man,” accusing him of attempting to dismantle opposition parties.
The NNPP claimed that Tinubu would face defeat in 2027, regardless of Wike’s support. Speaking during a media session in Abuja, Wike stated, “I remain in the PDP. I have contributed significantly to the party.
No one has the audacity to tell me, ‘Wike, you’re not a party member.’ Who could that be?”
He highlighted the PDP's breach of the agreement for a southern presidential candidate, backing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, which led him to withhold support for the party's 2023 presidential nominee.
Wike emphasized his value, asserting, “I am not a liability, I am an asset. Whether you like it or not, I am an asset to ensuring Tinubu wins his second term.”
He attributed the PDP's challenges in 2027 to leadership issues, which caused significant defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress, particularly in Delta State and Akwa Ibom.
A senior official from the PDP characterized the organization as one that adheres to law and order, stating that it would soon impose rules against Wike.
He remarked, “This party operates through processes. Our structures and regulations will be upheld. At the appropriate moment, we will enforce our laws on him and others.”
Osadolor added that Wike no longer possesses significant influence within the PDP and expressed confidence in Tinubu’s impending defeat.
A member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Bode George, responded to Wike's backing of Tinubu, stating that the main opposition would nominate a southern candidate from within the party, emphasizing that the PDP would not support Tinubu as he is part of a rival party.
He criticized recent defectors from the PDP to the APC, questioning their motives for leaving, and vowed to lead the PDP's campaign for presidential candidates in both 2027 and 2031, insisting on adhering to the party's zoning principles.
CUPP Official Mark Adebayo labeled Wike as an unprincipled opportunist working against his party, while NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, urged the PDP to control its members, asserting that it is the suffering Nigerians who will determine the outcome of the 2027 election, not Wike.
Former Action Democratic Party Vice Presidential candidate, Okey Udo, condemned Wike’s actions as anti-party, stressing the importance of the party over any individual. Meanwhile, a former APC presidential aspirant, Charles Udeogaranya, emphasized that Wike's divided loyalties are unsustainable.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, questioned Wike's role as an opposition figure.
Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Ogun State, Kayode Adebayo, stated that under true democratic practice, Wike should have been expelled for his actions against the PDP's interests.
The PDP’s National Vice Chairman for the South-West, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, believed Wike is old enough to express his opinions freely, while Dayyabu Ciroma from Bauchi State's PDP noted that Wike's time in the party is limited. The Jigawa State chapter of the PDP maintained that Wike's views are unacceptable and that the party will not be undermined by individuals.
Defending Wike, APC Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, called him a democrat entitled to express his views, reasoning that the success of the FCT aligns with the effectiveness of Tinubu's presidency.
A former media adviser to Wike, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, observed that Wike's dual role puts him in a complicated position, acknowledging the frequent occurrence of similar situations in political history.
