2027: Wike Warns PDP Against Re-Admitting Peter Obi

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), that any attempt to bring back former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into its ranks could be politically disastrous. Wike, who spoke during a media engagement on Monday, argued that the PDP has yet to recover from the internal crises that marred its chances in the 2023 elections and that reabsorbing Obi would deepen existing fractures rather than strengthen the opposition party. According to the former Rivers State governor, Obi’s exit from the PDP ahead of the last general election was a direct result of unresolved disputes over zoning and power sharing. He maintained that reopening such issues in the lead-up to 2027 would further destabilize the party and erode the little cohesion it currently has. “Those who think bringing Obi back into PDP will solve our problems are mistaken,” Wike said. “If you want to destroy the PDP, then go ahead and bring him. The party is already grappling with too many contradictions, and adding another layer of tension will only break it further.” The remarks have stirred debate within the party and across Nigeria’s political landscape. While some stakeholders believe reconciling with Obi could help the PDP win back young voters and urban supporters who rallied behind him in 2023, others agree with Wike, stressing that the party needs to prioritize internal unity over courting big names. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been quick to capitalize on the controversy, portraying the PDP as disorganized and divided ahead of 2027. Meanwhile, political commentators note that Wike’s views carry significant weight given his influence within the PDP and his role in shaping the alliances that defined the outcome of the last elections. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo also weighed in recently, cautioning the PDP against what he described as over-reliance on personalities rather than building a strong and coherent structure. Analysts similarly argue that the opposition’s future success hinges on resolving its internal disputes and creating a clear direction for its members. As of now, the PDP leadership has not made any official pronouncement on Obi’s possible return. However, the matter is expected to dominate discussions at upcoming party meetings as leaders deliberate on strategies to rebuild and reposition the opposition ahead of the 2027 polls. Observers say the way the PDP handles the question of Obi’s re-admittance will be a litmus test of its readiness to mount a serious challenge against the APC. A wrong step, they warn, could see the party slide deeper into division and weaken its chances of reclaiming power.