PDP remains united, has no factions, says Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is divided into factions, insisting that the party remains united ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a media chat with journalists on Monday in Abuja, Wike maintained that former Senator Sandy Onor remains the PDP’s consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The former Rivers State governor also rejected speculations about the possible emergence of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the candidate of a PDP faction, describing such claims as unfounded and lacking any legal basis.
According to him, no individual can be declared a party candidate without first emerging as an aspirant, participating in the nomination process and receiving the necessary endorsement of the party.
“You can’t declare on behalf of another person. There’s no candidate by body language. You must first be an aspirant before you become a candidate and then be presented with a certificate of return. Have you heard former President Jonathan speak about this purported candidacy?” Wike said.
He also dismissed reports of an alliance between the PDP and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), insisting that no such coalition exists. Wike questioned the legality of the arrangement and challenged those promoting the narrative to provide evidence of its existence.
On the political situation in Rivers State, Wike said his loyalty remains with the people of the state rather than any particular political party. He argued that elections in the state had become less violent due to the efforts of the Rainbow Coalition, a political alliance he said was formed to promote peaceful democratic participation.
The minister further stated that although the PDP already has its candidate, the Rainbow Coalition would meet to agree on a candidate for the Rivers State governorship election. When asked whether Governor Siminalayi Fubara would be welcomed into the coalition, Wike said the governor, by virtue of his position, ought to be part of the arrangement but stopped short of giving a definite answer on the matter.
