“PDP lacks capacity to fund presidential candidate for 2027” — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) does not have the financial capacity to sponsor a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

He made the remark during a media briefing in Abuja, where he spoke on the state of the opposition party and the wider political environment. “As a party, the party does not have money,” he said, adding that presidential ambition requires personal strength and preparation before external support can follow.

Wike argued that political backing is not automatic, stressing that support only builds around candidates perceived to be viable. “Even supporters will only come to support when they know you have the chance to make any impact,” he said.

He maintained that no individual can succeed alone in a presidential race but insisted that aspirants must first assess their own capacity before declaring interest. “If, for example, I want to contest for president, I’ve checked myself, and I have something to start with,” he said.

On internal party dynamics, Wike rejected suggestions that the PDP is divided into factions, insisting that the party remains structurally intact despite public debate over its cohesion.

He also said the party is already reviewing its chances ahead of 2027. According to him, “we have formed a committee to look at the viability of our winning election as long as the presidency is concerned.”

Responding to broader political concerns, Wike dismissed claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is deliberately weakening opposition parties. He said such interpretations were exaggerated and politically motivated.

He referenced past political struggles, including events under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, arguing that opposition actors then faced greater pressure. “If there was anybody tormented by a government, it was me, and I never ran away,” he said.

Wike also rejected allegations that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is targeting opposition parties, adding that political competition naturally involves disputes and legal processes.

He criticised the tendency of political actors to blame institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) and the courts for internal party crises, saying responsibility should rest with party leadership.

“You cannot continue to violate laws and then turn around to blame INEC or the courts,” he said, arguing that many of the disputes within parties are self-inflicted.

Wike also called for stronger internal discipline within the PDP, urging members to resolve disagreements through due process rather than public confrontation. He said political differences should not be treated as permanent divisions, insisting that reconciliation remains possible.

On governance in the Federal Capital Territory, he defended ongoing infrastructure projects, saying work is progressing across all area councils and that his administration is focused on delivering measurable results.

“Challenge me, what are we doing with your tax money?” he said, adding that the FCT relies heavily on internally generated revenue to fund development projects.

He further maintained that security concerns in the capital are being addressed through coordinated efforts with security agencies, while acknowledging that isolated incidents still occur.

Wike urged political actors to focus on responsibility and performance rather than blame, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic stability depends on compliance with laws and stronger institutional conduct.