Wike Vows To Lead PDP Campaign In 2027, Dismisses Party Betrayal Claims.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has boldly declared his intention to spearhead the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign in Rivers State for the 2027 presidential election. The announcement came during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, 2 June 2025, where Wike addressed accusations of undermining the PDP while serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a rival party.
“I am still in PDP. I worked hard for the party,” Wike asserted, dismissing claims of disloyalty. “I have not seen anybody who has the guts to tell me, ‘Wike, you are not a member of the party.’ Who is that? What is their contribution to the party that is more than mine? No one will take me from the party. In fact, I’ll lead the PDP campaign in Rivers by 2027.”
The former Rivers State governor’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions within the PDP, with some members accusing him of sabotaging the party due to his role in Tinubu’s government. Wike, however, remained defiant, expressing pride in his transformative work as FCT Minister. “Look at what we are doing differently. People said the FCT was not working, but now it is working, which means I’m doing things past FCT ministers refused to do,” he said.
Wike highlighted his willingness to challenge powerful interests, stating, “I take joy when I step on the toes of big men; those who say nothing will happen, but I say something will happen. It makes me happy.” He contrasted his approach with predecessors, whom he accused of avoiding tough decisions that might affect the elite. “All they want me to do is make decisions against poor people, saying nothing will happen to them, but I say something will happen. That is why we are making results.”
Addressing the political crisis in Rivers State, Wike denied any personal rift with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He also clarified his stance on the state’s challenges, noting he would have opposed a state of emergency had President Tinubu consulted him. “I don’t have any crisis with Fubara. I am not the president who declared the state of emergency. If Mr. President had called me at the time, I wouldn’t have agreed,” Wike said.
Wike’s bold pledge to lead the PDP’s 2027 campaign signals his intent to remain a dominant force within the party, even as he navigates his role in an opposition-led administration. His tenure as FCT Minister has also drawn attention, with recent efforts to address security threats posed by scavengers and beggars, alongside calls from FCT communities for improved infrastructure, such as schools. Wike has urged Abuja residents to protect ongoing infrastructural projects, reinforcing his commitment to tangible progress.
