The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is not financially equipped to sponsor a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.
Wike, a two-term Governor of Rivers State, made this disclosure at a media briefing in Abuja on Saturday, April 4.
The Minister, who was emphatic about the party’s financial situation, said, “As a party, the party does not have money.”
According to him, presidential ambition requires individual preparedness, saying aspirants must first evaluate their own strength before entering the race.
“If, for example, I want to run for president, I’ve checked myself, and I have something to start with,” he stated.
“But nobody alone can stand and win the presidency,” he added.
Wike stressed that political backing depends largely on credibility and perceived chances of success, while addressing concerns about internal divisions in the party.
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“Even supporters will only come to support when they know you have the chance to make an impact. It’s you people that are always talking about factions. We don’t know any faction,” he said.
He pointed to recent party activities to support his position, noting the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission in recognising legitimate processes.
“When they held the convention at Ibadan, did you see any INEC there, but INEC was in our convention,” he added.
Wike also rejected claims that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is weakening opposition parties.
“It’s not correct that the current ruling party is killing the opposition, and I take exception to that,” he said.
Reflecting on his experience under former President Muhammadu Buhari, he noted: “If there was anybody tormented by a government, it was me, and I never ran away.”
“You cannot continue to violate laws and then turn around to blame INEC or the courts. People should get it clear that institutions are not the problem when individuals refuse to comply with laid-down rules.”
He argued that most disputes within parties stem from internal mismanagement rather than external interference.
Wike cautioned against what he described as unserious presidential ambitions, stressing the need for preparation and structure.
“How can somebody just stand up now and say they want to contest and become the president of Nigeria, and the primary is starting in May — do you see any seriousness in that?” he asked.
He added that he would not support unprepared candidates.
“I will not, because I am one of the national leaders of the party, see that somebody is not prepared and then say go and buy a form and contest for president.”
Wike maintained that the PDP has moved past its internal crisis and should focus on rebuilding.
“As far as I’m concerned, the convention has come and gone. People are trooping in… Now the crisis is over. Do we still have to shut our doors? No. Certainly not,” he said.
He also urged citizens to hold leaders accountable for governance outcomes.
“Challenge me, what are we doing with your tax money? Highlighting his approach to leadership, he added:
“It’s not about the party you belong to. It’s about what you can see. I don’t believe in 3D presentations; seeing is believing.”
