Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will participate in the 2027 general elections, brushing aside speculation about the party’s possible decline.
Speaking during a media briefing on Friday, Wike dismissed concerns that the PDP might lose relevance before the next electoral cycle.
He expressed confidence that the party will not only be on the ballot but will also remain competitive in key regions across the country.
Reflecting on the party’s trajectory, Wike noted that although the PDP has not secured the presidency since 2015, it has continued to function as a major political force with influence at various levels of government.
He stressed that the party’s survival and growth should not be judged solely by its ability to win the presidency.
Instead, the former Rivers State governor urged party members to prioritise strengthening the PDP’s presence at state and grassroots levels.
The Game Of Relevance
According to him, political relevance is built from the ground up, and dominance in local and state structures plays a critical role in sustaining national influence.
Wike also cautioned against prematurely putting forward a presidential candidate without adequate groundwork.
He emphasised that electoral success requires thorough preparation, including both strategic planning and the mental readiness of candidates.
He argued that securing the presidency without a solid base across states and local governments could ultimately weaken the party’s overall standing and limit its long-term effectiveness.
His remarks come at a time when the PDP continues to grapple with internal divisions.
Since 2025, factions within the party have been at odds, holding parallel meetings and engaging in legal battles over leadership, raising questions about party unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Despite these challenges, Wike maintained that with proper organisation and renewed focus on grassroots mobilisation, the PDP can remain a significant player in Nigeria’s political landscape.