ABUJA — A political storm is brewing in Nigeria’s opposition camp following the declaration by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to lead President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike made the announcement during a media parley in Abuja, describing himself as a political “asset” capable of securing Tinubu a second term. Despite still being a card-carrying member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike defended his position, stating he has done nothing to warrant suspension, and challenged the party to take action against him if it believed otherwise.
“I am still in the PDP. I have not seen anybody who has the guts to tell me, ‘Wike, you are not a member of the party,’” he said. “Whether you like it or not, I am an asset. I will ensure Tinubu wins his second term.”
Wike further criticised the PDP leadership over its handling of the 2023 presidential ticket, which he said violated the party’s zoning agreement. He reiterated his opposition to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy and justified his refusal to support the PDP’s presidential bid on grounds of equity and fairness.
The fallout from Wike’s comments has been swift and widespread.
Opposition Condemnation
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and several prominent PDP members have publicly condemned Wike’s stance, accusing him of working to undermine the opposition.
Mark Adebayo, CUPP’s Publicity Secretary, labelled Wike the “President’s hatchet man,” accusing him of attempting to dismantle the PDP from within. “He is not truly a member of the opposition. He’s on a mission to weaken his own party for Tinubu’s benefit,” Adebayo said.
Echoing that sentiment, NNPP’s spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, called on the PDP to “whip Wike into line,” warning that failure to enforce internal discipline would undermine the party’s credibility. “Nigerians enduring hardship will ultimately decide Tinubu’s fate in 2027, not political endorsements,” Johnson asserted.
Internal PDP Reactions
Senior PDP figures have also weighed in. Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor urged party members and the public to dismiss Wike’s remarks, saying the party would soon enforce disciplinary measures. “Wike has lost the influence he once had in the PDP,” Osadolor said. “Nigerians should not be distracted by media theatrics.”
PDP Board of Trustees member Chief Bode George was blunt in his assessment: “The PDP will not work for Tinubu. He is not one of us. In 2027, we will support a southern candidate from within our party.”
Former PDP National Secretary Prof. Wale Oladipo offered a more measured view, acknowledging Wike’s dual roles. “He is both a PDP Board member and a federal minister. It’s not unprecedented for politicians to cross party lines, but the party will act when the time is right,” he said.
Other party leaders, including the PDP publicity secretaries in Bauchi, Jigawa, and Ogun states, called for Wike’s immediate expulsion, warning that his continued presence threatens party unity.
Criticism Across the Board
The backlash transcends the PDP. Former Action Democratic Party vice-presidential candidate Okey Udo described Wike’s move as “blatant anti-party activity.” Former APC presidential aspirant Charles Udeogaranya said Wike must “make a clear choice” between the PDP and APC.
The Obidient Movement’s national coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, also expressed concern about the growing lack of party discipline. “You cannot be part of the opposition and support the ruling party’s candidate. It’s a mockery of democracy,” he said.
APC Comes to Wike’s Defence
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended Wike’s right to political expression. Bala Ibrahim, the party’s Publicity Director, described Wike as “a democrat,” stating, “He is working under President Tinubu, and it’s logical he wants his boss to succeed.”
Former Allies Criticise Wike
Interestingly, former Wike allies have also voiced their discontent. Ex-Rivers APC chairman Chief Emeka Beke and former media aide Opunabo Inko-Tariah criticised the minister for attacking political opponents, including former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi.
Despite the backlash, Wike remains unyielding. He has continued to position himself as a central figure in Nigeria’s evolving political narrative, asserting that the opposition must address its internal crises rather than vilify him.
As 2027 approaches, Wike’s allegiances and the PDP’s response to his actions are poised to become defining moments in Nigeria’s political landscape — with the unity of the opposition and the future of the ruling party hanging in the balance.