2027: Wike’s Support For Tinubu Draws Sharp Criticism From Opposition Parties
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has sparked controversy after publicly declaring his intention to lead President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. His statement has triggered a wave of condemnation from several opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).
During a media chat in Abuja on Monday, the former Rivers State governor described himself as a political asset crucial to securing Tinubu’s second term, insisting that he had done nothing wrong to warrant disciplinary action from the PDP.
Wike challenged his critics within the PDP, asserting, “I remain a member of the PDP. No one has contributed more to the party than I have. Who dares to question my membership?”
He also criticized the PDP’s decision to back a northern candidate in the 2023 presidential election, stating that the party’s failure to adhere to its zoning agreement was the reason he did not support Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy.
Explaining his actions further, Wike said, “In 2023, I made it clear I wouldn’t back the PDP presidential candidate. It was a matter of fairness. The presidency should have gone to the South. They ignored this and expected my support.”
Wike portrayed himself as indispensable, boasting that he delivered 100% control of the National Assembly and the governorship in Rivers, unlike other PDP governors. “I’m not a liability; I’m an asset. Like it or not, I will play a key role in Tinubu’s 2027 victory,” he declared.
He attributed the PDP’s recent internal crises and defections in states like Delta and Akwa Ibom to weak leadership, accusing the party of failing to address warning signs.
Opposition Fires Back
The PDP leadership reacted sharply. A senior party official said Wike’s conduct would not go unchecked, asserting that the party would enforce disciplinary measures at the appropriate time.
“The PDP has structure, laws, and processes. Wike’s views don’t override party discipline,” he stated.
Timothy Osadolor, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, urged Nigerians to ignore Wike’s rhetoric, describing him as a diminished figure within the party.
“He no longer commands the influence he once had. His relevance in the PDP is gone. Nigerians are determined to vote out this government in 2027, and Wike can’t change that,” Osadolor said.
Chief Bode George, a PDP Board of Trustees member, dismissed any possibility of the party backing Tinubu, stating, “Tinubu is not our member. The PDP will present its own candidate, a southerner, in 2027.”
George condemned defectors from the PDP, lamenting the erosion of party loyalty. “People elected under the PDP banner are jumping ship. The electorate is angry and hungry. This betrayal is disheartening,” he said.
He also pledged to lead PDP campaigns in both 2027 and 2031, reaffirming the party’s commitment to its zoning principle, which he said was violated during the 2023 convention.
Other Parties Weigh In
CUPP spokesperson Mark Adebayo labelled Wike as President Tinubu’s “hatchet man,” accusing him of acting as a saboteur within the PDP.
“Wike is an agent of disruption, working to weaken the opposition. But in 2027, Nigerians won’t be swayed by endorsements. They’ll vote based on the hardship they’re enduring,” he said.
Ladipo Johnson of the NNPP called for the PDP to rein in its members. “Wike isn’t behaving like an opposition leader. If the PDP can’t discipline him, it shows they’re not serious about leading the opposition,” he said.
He added that the real determinant of 2027 would be whether Nigerians felt their lives had improved since Tinubu assumed office.
Action Democratic Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Okey Udo, also criticized Wike’s actions, calling them anti-party and indicative of disorder within the PDP. “The party must come first. If they fear disciplining Wike, it shows their weakness,” Udo said. Charles Udeogaranya, a former APC presidential aspirant, argued that Wike could not belong to two political parties at once. “He should either resign from the PDP or stop supporting the APC,” he said.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Wike can’t speak for the opposition anymore. He’s no longer a credible voice.”
Ogun PDP spokesperson Kayode Adebayo said Wike’s open support for Tinubu should have led to his expulsion long ago.
“He’s only working to undermine the PDP. If we had true democracy, this wouldn’t be allowed,” Adebayo said.
Meanwhile, PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Kamorudeen Ajisafe, maintained that Wike was free to express his opinions. “He’s a mature man. He’ll be responsible for his decisions,” Ajisafe remarked.
In Bauchi State, PDP spokesperson Dayyabu Ciroma warned that Wike’s days in the party were numbered. “His actions show he’s intent on destroying the PDP, but we will not let that happen,” Ciroma asserted.