PDP Needs to Fix Itself Before 2027 Election, Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party will find it hard to win the presidential election in 2027. He believes this will happen unless the party first fixes its internal issues and strengthens its structures.

Wike shared his thoughts during a media chat on Thursday. He stressed that political parties cannot expect to win the presidency if they do not sort out their problems and build strong grassroots support.

He also took issue with the idea that Nigeria’s democracy relies only on a few well-known opposition figures. He said, “The only way people now say there is democracy is if the ADC or NDC participate in the election. Democracy, for us in Nigeria, has now been defined by whether Atiku participates or whether Peter Obi participates.”

Wike continued, “If they don’t participate, people say there is no democracy. Democracy is not about only Atiku contesting or only Peter Obi contesting.” He reminded everyone that the PDP has its own problems, and fixing them is not an easy task.

“You are not even talking about the ward election; it is difficult. What is more paramount to us is to build the party, show what you can do at the state level, get the ones you build and put the pieces together,” he said.

Preparing for Challenges

Wike pointed out the challenges facing the opposition. He said it would be unrealistic for any party to think it can win the presidency without proper preparation.

“You have not even put your house in order, yet you want to win a presidential election. Do you know what it takes to have structures in all 36 states? Do you know what it takes to campaign across the country? Is it a two-month programme? It’s not,” he stated.

He emphasized that political parties should first focus on building their grassroots structures and improving their performance in state elections before aiming for the presidential seat.

“What is more paramount to us Nigerians? Build a party, see what you can do at the state level, get the votes you can get, put your pieces together, then prepare,” he said.

Addressing Allegations

Wike also talked about past accusations against him that he was working with the ruling All Progressives Congress.

“Was I not the one who was accused of being an agent of APC? Those who accused me, where are they? I am still here. Everybody knows what I have said. I have not hidden it, and I have told our party, ‘Let’s put our house in order,'” he explained.

He maintained that winning presidential elections needs long-term planning and strong political structures.

“Do you know what it takes to have structures in 36 states? Even people who want to run for governor in their own state know the amount of planning involved. It is not an easy thing,” he added.