FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party will deliver a stunning performance in the 2027 general elections, promising that Nigerians will be “shocked” by the opposition party’s resurgence.
Speaking Friday night after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, venue of the PDP’s national convention, Wike framed the party’s comeback as a mission to “rescue” Nigeria.
“We know how to win elections,” Wike said. “Come 2027, Nigerians will be shocked. We are going to make sure that Nigeria works.”
The remark is a pointed reference to the 2023 election, where the PDP — despite ultimately losing — demonstrated its ability to compete fiercely and surprised many observers with its performance across key states.
Convention to Proceed Despite Grievances
Wike confirmed that the party’s national convention will go ahead as planned on March 29 and 30, dismissing a Supreme Court appeal by a group led by Tanimu Turaki as an obstacle that would not affect proceedings.
He acknowledged internal grievances but stressed that reconciliation would continue after the event.
“There is room for accommodation,” Wike said. “The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone.
“In any group, there will be grievances. You cannot expect that in a family of two or three people, everyone will always be satisfied, let alone a party with millions of members. There will always be a few who are not happy.”
He said the party had agreed to sit down with aggrieved members, understand their concerns, and find ways to accommodate them, adding that “what is most important is the overall interest of the party.”
Zoning Arrangement Finalized
Wike confirmed that key positions have been shared among regions to ensure balance and avoid the kind of internal divisions that have plagued the party in the past.
“We have already zoned our positions,” he said. “Every zone has its own slots. The presidency has been zoned to the South, while the chairmanship is zoned to the North. We believe this consensus arrangement will make the process easier.”
He emphasized that for the first time, the PDP is presenting a unified front, rather than the usual “unity list” that often reflects internal divisions.
“There are no factions,” Wike said. “Everyone has agreed on the direction we are taking.”
95 Percent Ready
Wike reported that preparations for the convention are nearly complete, with about 2,500 delegates expected.
“We are fully prepared,” he said. “Seating arrangements for all states have been completed, and the VIP section is ready. We do not expect more than 2,500 delegates.”
The convention is scheduled to be held in Abuja on Sunday and Monday.
What Comes Next
Wike’s confidence in a 2027 “shock” will be tested by the party’s ability to translate convention unity into electoral viability. The PDP faces an uphill battle against an incumbent APC that has shown it can mobilize resources and leverage the machinery of state.
But Wike’s message was clear: the PDP is organizing, it is unifying, and it is aiming for a comeback that will surprise Nigerians who have written the party off.
Whether the “shock” he promises will be delivered to the APC — or to his own party — remains to be seen.
