The Nyesom Wike has assured Nigerians that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will take part in the 2027 general elections, dismissing claims that the party could fade from relevance ahead of the next political cycle.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Wike said critics and political pundits who have written off the PDP “misjudge the party’s resilience and enduring presence.”
“I have no doubt that we have a lot of work to do. But what is important is that the PDP will be on the ballot in 2027. We are going to make a great impact in certain areas,” he said.
Wike highlighted that despite the party not producing a president since 2015, it has remained active across the country. He emphasised that political success goes beyond winning the presidency, urging the party to focus on strengthening its structures at sub-national levels.
“Everything is not about president, president, president,” Wike stated.
He also warned against presenting a presidential candidate without adequate preparation, stressing the need for both emotional and psychological readiness in contests. According to Wike, building strong grassroots support is essential to ensuring long-term competitiveness, noting that winning the presidency without control at lower levels would weaken a party’s influence.
The PDP has been grappling with a leadership crisis since 2025, with rival factions loyal to Wike and certain governors holding separate conventions and contesting control of the party in court. This internal struggle has raised concerns among political analysts about the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 polls.
