Nyesom Wike Urges PDP Members to Contest 2027 Polls Without Fear, Dismisses Influence of State Governors

FCT minister insists electoral success not tied to PDP control of state governments

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By A1 News International
Abuja, Nigeria — March 23, 2026

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed concerns that the absence of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors in some states could undermine the party’s chances in the 2027 elections. Speaking in Abuja, Wike urged party members to contest with confidence, stressing that electoral victory is not dependent on gubernatorial control.

What Happened

Addressing members during the 107th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, Wike told aspirants across federal and state levels to overcome fear and participate actively in the 2027 electoral process.

He argued that the perception that electoral success depends on having a PDP governor in a state is misleading.

“Those afraid that they will not win elections because they don’t have a governor from the PDP in their state, that is a lie,” Wike said.

Official Response

The FCT minister reaffirmed that the party’s planned national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026, would proceed as planned, noting that all necessary conditions had been met.

He also expressed optimism that internal reconciliation efforts would yield results, predicting that some members who previously left the party could return in the coming weeks.

Wike urged party leadership to sustain reconciliation efforts but stressed that the process must be based on sincerity rather than opportunism.

Internal Party Tensions

In a pointed remark, Wike criticised Seyi Makinde and other PDP governors who have either distanced themselves from the party’s internal bloc or defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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He rejected allegations that he was working for the APC, arguing that some of his critics had since abandoned the PDP.

“We had 13 governors… today, how many do we have? They all ran away because they were defeated,” he said.

Wike maintained that party loyalty and commitment, rather than numerical strength, should define PDP’s future direction.

Background

The PDP has faced internal divisions and defections in recent months, weakening its influence in several states. The shifting political landscape has raised concerns about the party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.

Reconciliation efforts within the party have focused on bridging factional divides and restoring cohesion ahead of key electoral milestones.

The upcoming convention is expected to play a critical role in redefining leadership structures and strategic direction.

Why It Matters

Wike’s remarks reflect ongoing power struggles within the PDP and highlight the broader challenge of rebuilding a fragmented opposition ahead of 2027.

His position signals a push to recalibrate the party’s strategy away from reliance on state-level dominance toward candidate-driven competitiveness.