Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces an uphill task in its bid to reclaim the presidency in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a media chat on Thursday, Wike argued that the party must first resolve its internal disagreements and strengthen its structures across the country before focusing on the presidential race.
According to him, rebuilding the PDP from the grassroots is essential if the party hopes to compete effectively in future elections.
Internal unity remains a major challenge
Wike noted that the PDP’s internal challenges have weakened its ability to position itself as a strong national opposition.
He said political parties cannot expect to win the presidency without first addressing organisational issues and establishing effective structures from the ward level to the national stage.
The former Rivers State governor stressed that building a nationwide political network requires careful planning and sustained effort rather than short-term preparations.
Democracy goes beyond individual candidates
During the discussion, Wike also criticised the notion that Nigeria’s democracy depends solely on the participation of a few prominent opposition figures.
He maintained that democracy should not be measured by whether particular politicians contest elections, adding that the country’s democratic system is broader than the ambitions of individual candidates.
Calls for stronger grassroots structures
Wike urged political parties to prioritise grassroots mobilisation, improve their performance in state-level politics and gradually strengthen their national presence.
According to him, success in presidential elections depends on having functional structures across all 36 states, effective organisation and long-term political planning.
He also dismissed previous claims that he was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that his position has consistently been that the PDP must first put its house in order before pursuing national power.