Wike Fires Political Warning Ahead of 2027 Elections, Says Power Must Be Fought For

(Nyesom Wike. Pbhoto by Street Journal)

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national leader Nyesom Wike has charged party members to brace for a fierce political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections, asserting that political power is never surrendered voluntarily but must be fought for and earned.

Speaking at the PDP's 109th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike warned that the party would not return to power through entitlement or passive expectation, stressing that opposition politics demands resilience, organisation, and unwavering determination.

Drawing on his personal political experience, he urged aspirants not to be rattled by pressure, arr£sts, or legal battles, arguing that adversity is often the crucible in which political success is forged.

Addressing the party's ongoing internal disputes and court cases, the former Rivers State governor said the PDP remained firmly on course with its electoral preparations and would not be derailed by legal challenges.

He also turned his attention to party members who had grown accustomed to the benefits of being in power, urging them to adjust to a different reality and adopt the mindset of fighters rather than dependants.

Wike challenged governorship aspirants and other candidates to focus on delivering concrete political results rather than excuses, saying that leadership would be judged by grassroots mobilisation and measurable outcomes.

He called on members to return to the party with tangible electoral contributions in 2027, whether at the House of Representatives or state assembly level, warning that empty hands had no place at the table.

Despite the party's current difficulties, Wike expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge from the 2027 elections as a stronger and more relevant force in Nigeria's political landscape.

Earlier, PDP National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed struck a conciliatory note, urging members to close ranks ahead of future electoral contests.

He commended party structures at various levels for successfully conducting recent primaries under difficult circumstances and praised Wike for his continued support and guidance to the party.

Mohammed reaffirmed the party's commitment to offering visionary leadership capable of addressing Nigeria's challenges, and expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.

Also addressing the meeting, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees Senator Mao Ohuabunwa appealed for reconciliation and unity, urging members to move beyond the primaries and rally around the party's collective objectives.

He called on party leaders to intensify membership drives and voter registration efforts across the country, stressing that electoral success is built from the grassroots.

Ohuabunwa warned that division would weaken the party's resolve, declaring that there must be no victors or vanquished in the aftermath of the primaries.