Wike urges PDP to strengthen grassroots ahead of 2027, says ‘Everything isn’t about the presidency’

inister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against placing excessive emphasis on reclaiming the presidency in 2027, urging the party to rebuild its grassroots structures if it hopes to regain political relevance.

Speaking during a media interview in Abuja on Thursday, the former Rivers State governor said the PDP must prioritize strengthening its presence at the state and local government levels, arguing that electoral success is built from the grassroots rather than from the national leadership alone.

Wike noted that the opposition party has not produced a president since 2015 and said restoring its influence across the states should take precedence over the race for the party’s presidential ticket.

“We will present candidates from the presidential election down to the State House of Assembly in 2027. But everything isn’t about the presidency. We have to make the party strong at the state level first,” he said.

He maintained that a strong political party must have functional structures across the federation, adding that the PDP’s ability to compete effectively in governorship, legislative and local elections would determine its future prospects.

The FCT minister also warned against repeating what he described as the mistakes that contributed to the party’s performance in the 2023 general elections. He reiterated his position that the principles of equity, fairness and zoning remain essential for maintaining unity and stability within the PDP.

Wike’s comments come amid lingering internal divisions within the opposition party, which has remained embroiled in leadership disputes since the 2023 elections. The former governor was among members of the G5 governors who opposed the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over disagreements relating to power rotation and the party’s internal leadership arrangement.

The internal crisis has further intensified following moves by a faction within the party to expel Wike and several other prominent members, including former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose. Wike has dismissed the move as unconstitutional, insisting that he remains a committed member of the PDP despite his disagreements with some members of its leadership.

He urged party members aspiring to elective offices in 2027 to focus on building support among voters at the grassroots instead of relying solely on endorsements from the party’s national leadership.

According to Wike, the PDP’s chances in the next general election will depend not only on its presidential ambition but also on its ability to retain and win governorships, legislative seats and other elective positions across the country.