Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for considering zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the North, arguing that the party would fail if the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) selects a candidate from the South.
Speaking during a media chat on Monday, Wike expressed concerns that continuing with the same zoning strategy used in 2023 would only lead to further setbacks for the PDP. He suggested that the party should adopt a clear stance, stating that its presidential candidate should come from the South to avoid repeating past mistakes.
“Why not, as a party, come out openly now and say our presidential candidate will also come from the South? You don’t want to do that; you want to play the same game you played in 2023. It will backfire, and when it backfires, you will blame others,” Wike remarked.
He cautioned the PDP leadership, stating that the party’s indecision and selfish interests could harm its future prospects. Wike warned that if President Bola Tinubu, for example, runs and wins in 2027, the APC may zone its presidential ticket to the North in 2031, leaving the PDP with a difficult position.
Wike also reflected on the party’s failure in the 2023 election, noting that the PDP’s internal processes had been manipulated by selfish interests. He accused the party of ignoring its own constitution, which recommended zoning the presidential candidacy after a zone produces the party chairman, and claimed that individuals had already purchased nomination forms before a decision was made.
Addressing recent defections, including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC, Wike stated, “How many times have they (PDP leaders) made efforts? How many people have they wooed? Instead, every day, you’re after one man; every day, you’re after Wike.”
As the PDP continues to grapple with internal crises, including disagreements over zoning and the recent defections, the party’s leadership has formed a reconciliation committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, aiming to address aggrieved members and unify the party.
