Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. Wike stated this in Abuja on Tuesday evening during a meeting with a delegation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT). The delegation, led by its Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, visited Wike to condole with him over the death of the party's National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih.
Wike emphasized that it would be wrong for him to support another candidate after backing Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. However, he noted that this stance should not prevent the PDP from participating in elections at the sub-national level. Wike advised the PDP to focus on winning sub-national elections rather than primarily focusing on the presidency. This statement comes amid speculations about Wike's loyalty to the PDP and his ministerial role in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.
The delegation from the PDP BoT, which included Senator Zainab Kure, former Minister of Sports Hon. Damishi Sango, and BoT Secretary Isah Dansidi, was drawn from across all geopolitical zones within the FCT to represent the larger 100-member board. Senator Ohuabunwa declared the BoT's solidarity with Wike, describing the BoT as the "conscience and compass" of the PDP. He urged Wike to remain steadfast and focused despite internal political friction.
Wike recalled the important role Dan Orbih played in his political journey, describing his death as an irreparable loss to the party. He noted that Orbih was the Chairman of PDP in Edo State during a crisis in Rivers State PDP and chose to stand by the truth, which led to Wike becoming governor. Wike expressed gratitude to the party leaders and assured them of his determination to remain in the PDP and work with genuine stakeholders to rebuild the party.
Senator Ohuabunwa defended Wike's ministerial role in the APC-led Federal Government, stating that Wike had written the party at all levels, and the party unanimously accepted and asked him to go and represent the party. The BoT Chairman added that the party is proud of Wike as a person, his performance, and his capacity. This statement comes as some have questioned Wike's decision to join the APC-led government.
Wike's stance on supporting Tinubu's re-election bid has sparked mixed reactions within the PDP. Some party members have expressed concerns about Wike's loyalty to the party, while others have defended his decision to support Tinubu. The PDP has been facing internal crises, with some members calling for the party to take a stronger stance against the APC-led government.
The condolence visit from the PDP BoT to Wike over Dan Orbih's death was seen as an opportunity for the party to reaffirm its solidarity with the minister. Wike's affirmation of his support for Tinubu's re-election bid has significant implications for the PDP, especially as the party prepares for future elections. The party will need to navigate its internal crises and make strategic decisions to regain its footing in Nigerian politics.
Key points
- Wike reaffirms support for Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid, citing loyalty after backing him in 2023.
- Wike advises PDP to focus on winning sub-national elections rather than primarily focusing on the presidency.
- The PDP BoT declares its solidarity with Wike, describing the BoT as the "conscience and compass" of the PDP.
