Wike Takes Aim At PDP Governors Forum, Predicts Repeat Loss In 2027 Due To Impunity

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has heavily criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum and individuals backing a proposed coalition, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing them of insincerity and warning that the party risks another defeat in the 2027 elections due to ongoing internal impunity.

Wike made these remarks on Friday during a media briefing in Abuja, responding to Atiku’s push to form a coalition of opposition parties to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential race.

Atiku recently led the call for a coalition, but this initiative has faced resistance from the PDP Governors Forum, headed by Governor Seyi Makinde, who made it clear they would not support Atiku’s coalition effort.

The FCT Minister, however, accused the advocates of the coalition of lacking transparency, stating that the actions of the Governors Forum and other party leaders were driven by personal interests rather than a genuine commitment to the party’s success.

“Those advocating for a coalition are being dishonest with themselves, and those within the party are merely serving their own interests,” Wike remarked.

He pointed out that one of the primary reasons for the PDP’s loss in the 2023 elections was the impunity within the party, particularly surrounding power-sharing between the North and South.

Wike warned that if the same issues of impunity are not addressed, the PDP could face another devastating defeat in 2027.

He took particular aim at the Governors Forum, calling it a pressure group rather than a legitimate arm of the party, noting that its actions were undermining the party’s unity and disregarding the party’s constitution.

“One of the key reasons for our loss in 2023 was impunity. If this continues, it will damage the party. The Governors Forum is not an official organ of the party; it’s a pressure group that manipulates the National Working Committee,” he asserted.

The former Governor of Rivers State concluded by emphasizing the need for greater respect for the party’s constitution and internal democracy, stressing that the PDP cannot afford to repeat past mistakes if it hopes to secure victory in the 2027 elections.