The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has affirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not only participate in the 2027 general elections but will also field a presidential candidate.
Wike made this known during a media parley on Friday, dismissing growing speculation that the opposition party may lose relevance ahead of the next election cycle due to its lingering internal crisis.
According to him, despite the challenges facing the party, the PDP remains a strong political force capable of contesting and making significant impact in 2027.
“The PDP will be on the ballot in 2027, and of course, we will field a presidential candidate,” Wike said, pushing back against claims that the party might collapse before the elections.
The former Rivers State governor noted that the PDP has continued to exist and function effectively even after losing the presidency in 2015, stressing that its survival over the years demonstrates its resilience.
“From 2015 till now, we have not produced a president, but the party is still standing. The issue is not whether the PDP will exist, but what we are going to do to keep it competitive and relevant,” he added.
Wike, however, emphasized that winning future elections would require more than just presenting a presidential candidate. He urged the party to prioritize strengthening its structures at the grassroots and sub-national levels, including states and local governments.
He warned that a weak foundation at lower levels of governance could undermine any potential presidential victory, noting that political strength must be built from the ground up.
“Parties must not focus only on the presidency. You must build from the grassroots. Without that, even if you win at the top, you may not have the control needed to govern effectively,” he said.
The minister also cautioned against rushing into presidential contests without adequate preparation, highlighting the need for emotional and psychological readiness among party stakeholders.
The PDP has been grappling with a leadership crisis since 2025, with rival factions emerging within the party and holding parallel conventions. The internal disputes have led to ongoing legal battles over the control of the party structure.
Political analysts say these divisions could pose a major challenge to the PDP’s chances in 2027 if not resolved in time.
Despite these concerns, Wike’s latest remarks signal confidence within some quarters of the party that the PDP can regroup, reorganize, and remain a formidable contender in Nigeria’s political landscape.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually begin, attention is expected to focus on whether the PDP can reconcile its differences and present a united front capable of mounting a strong presidential challenge.
