The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not in a position to win the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during the August edition of his monthly media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike said the opposition party should focus on winning governorship and other sub-national elections while rebuilding its structure ahead of the 2031 general election.
The former Rivers State governor attributed the PDP’s weak presidential prospects to the party’s lingering internal crisis, which he said has significantly undermined its electoral strength.
“I have always said that the PDP can’t win the presidential election now,” Wike stated.
“All we are doing is to win some sub-national seats and organise the party against 2031.”
According to the FCT minister, the party must be realistic about its current political standing instead of creating false expectations among members and supporters.
Wike argued that securing victory in a presidential election requires a well-organised national structure, strategic planning and years of preparation, rather than simply presenting a candidate.
“We must be very clear to people. I don’t like people who think that because it’s just an election, you must win,” he said.
He stressed that the PDP should use the 2027 election to consolidate its influence at the state and legislative levels while positioning itself for a stronger presidential contest in the next electoral cycle.
Wike also dismissed the notion that an individual could successfully launch a presidential bid with only a few months of preparation.
“Being a president is not to come out today and run to be president, no. We have a crisis, and you can’t wake up within six months to be president of a country,” he added.
