Forget The Presidency’ — Wike Says PDP Cannot Defeat Tinubu In 2027

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not in a position to win the 2027 presidential election, urging the party to focus instead on rebuilding its structures and securing victories at the state level.

Speaking during the August edition of his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the former Rivers State governor attributed the party’s poor prospects to its lingering internal crisis, which he said has significantly weakened its ability to mount a credible presidential challenge.

According to Wike, the PDP should prioritise winning governorship, legislative and other sub-national elections while laying the foundation for a stronger presidential campaign ahead of the 2031 general election.

“I have always said that the PDP can’t win the presidential election now.

“All we are doing is to win some sub-national seats and organise the party against 2031,” he said.

The FCT minister stressed that the party must be realistic about its current political standing and avoid creating false expectations among its members and supporters.

He argued that success in a presidential election requires a solid nationwide structure, strategic planning and sustained political organisation rather than simply fielding a candidate.

“We must be very clear to people. I don’t like people who think that because it’s just an election, you must win,” Wike stated.

He maintained that the PDP should use the 2027 elections to strengthen its grassroots presence across the country and reposition itself as a more formidable opposition ahead of future contests.

Wike also dismissed the notion that anyone could successfully mount a presidential campaign after only a few months of preparation, insisting that the office requires long-term planning and a well-established political network.

“Being a president is not to come out today and run to be president, no. We have a crisis, and you can’t wake up within six months to be president of a country,” he added.