Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the North, warning that a repeat of the 2023 strategy could backfire.
Speaking during a media chat on Monday, Wike urged the opposition party to clearly declare its intention to field a southern presidential candidate in the next general election.
“Why not, as a party, come out openly and say our presidential candidate will come out from the south?” he said. “You want to play the same game you played in 2023. It will backfire.”
He criticized what he described as internal selfishness within the party, warning that it could damage its chances and further weaken its structure.
Wike also pointed out the implications of another northern presidency, saying, “For example, if Mr president runs and wins in 2027, by 2031 APC will send their presidential ticket to the north.
“PDP will do what then? You will come back then and say since APC is sending it to the north, let’s give the north out presidential ticket. What kind of smartness is that?”
His remarks appeared to be directed at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, who has expressed interest in contesting again in 2027.
In May 2024, Atiku said he would continue to seek the presidency as long as he remains alive and healthy, citing the example of former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, who contested multiple times before winning.
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