- Wike said the PDP must resolve its internal crisis before seeking presidential victory
- He urged political parties to strengthen their grassroots structures ahead of 2027
- The FCT minister also dismissed claims that Nigeria’s democracy depends on a few opposition figures
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must resolve its internal challenges and rebuild its structures before it can realistically compete for the presidency.
Speaking during a media chat on Thursday, Eko Hot Blog gathered that Wike argued that no political party can expect to win a presidential election without first strengthening its organisation from the grassroots and addressing internal divisions.
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According to him, rebuilding the PDP should take priority over focusing on the next presidential contest.
He also criticised the notion that Nigeria’s democracy depends on the participation of a few opposition figures, saying democratic governance goes beyond whether particular politicians are on the ballot.
“The only way people now say there is democracy is if the ADC or NDC participate in the election. Democracy, for us in Nigeria, has now been defined by whether Atiku participates or whether Peter Obi participates,” he said.
Wike insisted that the absence of any individual candidate does not determine whether democracy exists in the country.
Reflecting on the PDP’s current situation, the former Rivers State governor acknowledged that the party faces serious internal difficulties, warning that overcoming them would require time and deliberate effort.
He said political parties must first establish strong structures at the ward, local government and state levels before seeking national electoral victories.
According to the minister, contesting and winning a presidential election demands extensive planning, nationwide political structures and sustained grassroots mobilisation across all 36 states.
“You have not even put your house in order, yet you want to win a presidential election. Do you know what it takes to have structures in all 36 states?” he asked.
Wike urged opposition parties to focus on improving their performance in state elections, consolidating their support base and strengthening their internal organisation before pursuing the presidency.
He also dismissed previous allegations that he was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he had always been open about his views on the PDP’s internal problems.
The FCT minister maintained that he has consistently advised his party to resolve its internal disputes, insisting that only a united and well-organised political party can mount a successful presidential campaign.
He concluded that building a credible nationwide political structure remains essential for any party hoping to secure victory in a presidential election.
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