The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West has publicly dissociated itself from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, following his open endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid—an action that contradicts the party’s official position to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the next polls.
In a statement, the South-West PDP’s spokesperson, Sanya Atofarati, insisted that Wike had no authority to speak for the party. “Wike is not bigger than the PDP and cannot take unilateral decisions on its behalf. Leaders of the party in the South-West are united in their resolve to ensure Tinubu does not secure a second term,” Atofarati declared.
He further emphasized that Wike’s political alignment with Tinubu was personal and not representative of the PDP. “Nigerians must understand that Wike’s support for Tinubu has nothing to do with our party,” he added.
Wike, who has been at the centre of a power tussle within the PDP, also laid down conditions for reconciliation, including the reinstatement of Dan Orbih as the party’s South-South National Vice Chairman. He warned that any attempt to disregard the outcome of the Calabar congress that elected Orbih would be seen as an act of impunity.
Speaking during a television interview, Wike reiterated his support for Tinubu’s style of leadership and his readiness to back a competent southern candidate. “At my level now, I cannot support someone I know is not competent, whether he’s my friend or not,” he said.
In a separate development, the Ogun State chapter of the PDP has declared its intention to support Tinubu’s second-term bid. During the campaign flag-off for its House of Representatives candidate, Bolarinwa Oluwole, party leaders in the state praised Tinubu as a son of the South-West and pledged their backing for his re-election.
Ogun PDP chairman, Abayomi Tella, said: “Though he belongs to the opposition, we must support our own from the South-West. Our votes will go to him in 2027.” Similarly, the party’s former governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, stated that while they support Tinubu’s presidency, they remain opposed to Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration in the state.
However, Atofarati countered the Ogun PDP’s stance, maintaining that it did not represent the broader position of the PDP in the South-West. “The Ogun chapter can decide its stance, but it does not change the collective position of the PDP in the South-West and nationally, that Tinubu must be stopped in 2027,” he stressed.
He also accused the APC of deepening economic hardship and employing desperate tactics to lure opposition members, warning that such efforts would not shield the ruling party from being held accountable.
As the PDP prepares for its national convention in November, Wike’s demands and growing internal rifts are adding pressure to a party still grappling with post-election divisions and realignments.
