The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted sharply to comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his open support for President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike, who spoke at a media chat in Abuja, reiterated his backing for President Tinubu and criticised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over remarks suggesting that some party leaders were “holding the PDP down” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In its response, the PDP described the former Rivers State governor as a provocateur whose “mask has finally fallen off”, accusing him of persistent anti-party activities and political disruption.
In a statement, the party said Wike’s declaration of support for Tinubu while remaining a PDP member confirmed the grounds for his expulsion.
“By his end-of-year media chat, Minister Nyesom Wike has renewed his support for, and indeed declared himself the ‘number one supporter’ of the presumptive APC presidential candidate for 2027, while still claiming membership of the PDP”, the party said.
According to the PDP, the stance represents “a classic case of anti-democratic adventurism” and is consistent with what it described as Wike’s long history of internal sabotage.
The party recalled Wike’s involvement in successive leadership crises, from his role in the Ali Modu Sheriff chairmanship controversy, to his backing and subsequent opposition to former national chairmen Uche Secondus and Iyorchia Ayu.
“Since becoming governor in 2015, Wike has remained a recurrent source of instability within the PDP leadership, frequently championing positions only to later work against them”, the statement said.
The PDP also cited developments in Rivers State, accusing Wike of candidate imposition, internal exclusion, and preventing a duly nominated PDP presidential candidate from campaigning in a PDP-controlled state during the last election cycle.
“All through the interview, the minister displayed clear signs of desperation, fear of losing presidential attention, declining influence in Rivers State, and frustration with the firm position of the PDP’s national leadership”, the party added.
It accused Wike and his associates of deliberately creating tension to advance narrow political interests and alleged that their public alignment with the APC was part of a “clandestine bargain” to undermine the PDP.
“Now that the pretence is over and he has openly declared support for the APC, Nigerians can clearly see his intention to weaken the PDP for personal gain”, the statement said.
The PDP assured Nigerians that it would present a credible presidential candidate in 2027, expressing confidence that the party would regain national support and win the election.
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