“Wike Is a Recurrent Troublemaker” — PDP Reacts to Minister’s Pledge to Back APC in 2027

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says recent comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have confirmed its long-held concerns about his loyalty to the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party described Wike as a “recurrent troublemaker,” citing his public declaration that he would support a presumed All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate while retaining PDP membership.

According to the PDP, Wike’s political conduct over the years has contributed to repeated leadership crises within the party, particularly since his tenure as governor of Rivers State.

“Since he assumed office as governor in 2015, Wike has played a central role in internal disputes within the PDP,” the statement said. It outlined his involvement in successive leadership battles, including his support for and later opposition to the Ali Modu Sheriff-led National Working Committee, as well as his role in the emergence and subsequent removal campaigns against former national chairmen Uche Secondus and Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.

The party said similar patterns were evident in Rivers State during Wike’s administration, alleging the imposition of candidates, exclusion of party stakeholders, and the blocking of campaign activities by a duly nominated PDP presidential candidate in a PDP-controlled state.

“These actions remain troubling departures from democratic practice within the party,” the statement said.

The PDP also criticised Wike’s political approach, describing it as conflict-driven and disruptive. It added that his recent media interview reflected what it termed anxiety over waning influence in Rivers State and strained relations with the party’s national leadership.

The statement further alleged that Wike’s recent alignments show a clear shift away from PDP interests.

“Recent public statements and actions make it evident that Wike and his associates have chosen to work against the PDP in favour of an opposing political platform,” the party said.

Referring to Wike’s declaration of support for the APC in the 2027 presidential election, the PDP said Nigerians now had clarity on what it described as a deliberate effort to weaken the opposition party. It warned that any agreements aimed at undermining the PDP for political gain were improper and should not be encouraged.

Despite the controversy, the party reaffirmed its commitment to the 2027 elections.

“We assure Nigerians that the PDP will present a credible presidential candidate who will enjoy broad public support and compete effectively in the 2027 election,” the statement said, adding that no individual could appropriate the party for personal interests.

The PDP concluded by noting that the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee was working to resolve internal disputes, address ongoing court cases, and reposition the party ahead of the next election cycle.