Wike Under Pressure? PDP Makes Fresh Appeal Amid Clash With APC Governors

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made a fresh appeal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to reconsider his support for President Bola Tinubu and back the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, made the appeal while speaking on the political situation ahead of the 2027 general election. Mohammed acknowledged that Wike has a constitutional right to support any candidate of his choice but said the minister’s decision to back Tinubu could have an impact on the PDP’s electoral prospects.

Mohammed said the party would nevertheless continue its preparations for the 2027 election and campaign across the country in support of Onor. He maintained that the PDP remained capable of overcoming the political challenges associated with Wike’s position and mounting a strong challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The PDP spokesman described Wike as an influential political figure and said the party would welcome any decision by the FCT minister to reconsider his position and support its presidential candidate. He suggested that such a move could reduce some of the political tension surrounding the 2027 contest.

Mohammed also argued that the concerns reportedly being expressed by some APC governors over Wike’s political activities showed that his influence was being closely watched within the ruling party. He, however, said the PDP respected Wike’s constitutional and political rights despite disagreeing with his decision to support Tinubu.

The PDP publicity secretary further insisted that Wike’s decision would not stop the opposition party from pursuing its presidential ambition. He said the party would take its campaign to communities across the country and seek the support of Nigerians for Onor.

The PDP has consistently maintained that Sandy Onor is its presidential candidate for the 2027 election. The party’s Wike-aligned leadership presented Onor as its consensus candidate in May, while the Independent National Electoral Commission subsequently published his name on its list of presidential candidates.

Wike, meanwhile, has publicly stated his support for President Tinubu’s bid for another term, despite remaining associated with the PDP. The development has contributed to political disagreements involving Wike, the PDP and some APC governors as preparations for the 2027 election intensify.