Wike Warns: Obi’s Return to PDP Could “Destroy the Party”
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has firmly denounced growing calls for former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to rejoin the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In a scathing media interview on Monday, Wike insisted such a move would devastate the party’s integrity and ideological foundations.
Key Highlights
- Wike asserted that Obi’s return would be a betrayal: “If you want to destroy this party, dare it — bring Obi.”:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- He lambasted Obi’s past criticism of the PDP, calling it hypocritical for Obi to consider rejoining now: “Obi that was abusing the party, saying it is rotten — so the party is now good enough for him?”:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Describing the move as ambition-driven, he warned it would erode the party’s ideological credibility: “No more ideology, no longer principle.”:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Context Behind the Controversy
The speculation surrounding Obi stems from renewed persuasion by some PDP leaders, including Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, to entice Obi to return as a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election. Wike’s statement reflects internal divisions and tension over the party’s direction.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Political Implications
With Nigeria’s 2027 general election on the horizon, Wike’s remarks underscore concerns over internal coherence and ideological clarity within the PDP. Observers see his comments as a strong message against populist returns that could destabilize party unity.
Next Steps
The controversy is unlikely to die down soon. Wike’s strong stance elevates the debate over whether the party should prioritize pragmatism or ideological purity in candidate selection. As the 2027 election cycle heats up, this disagreement may deepen factional lines within the PDP.
Sources: The Guardian Nigeria, Legit.ng