ABUJA, Nigeria — Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mocked the Peoples Democratic Party, expressing surprise that the main opposition party still exists and urging Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to allow it to “die” completely.
Akpabio made the remarks on Wednesday while representing President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of the full-scope development of Akinwumi Ajibola Street in the Gaduwa District of Abuja. The Senate President’s comment came as he acknowledged dignitaries at the event, including Senator Olaka Nwogu, who recently won the Rivers South-East Senatorial District by-election on the PDP platform.
“Senator Olaka Nwogu, who, to my understanding, just won an election. I didn’t know there was still PDP,” Akpabio said. “I am sure he is somewhere, and so many other distinguished senators, members of the working committee of the APC.”
Addressing Wike directly, the Senate President said: “Wike, stop confusing us. If a party has died, allow it to die. So, members of the working committee, I won’t discuss anything on the working committee of the PDP. Like I said, anything that has died has died.”
The remarks come at a time of intense political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the ruling All Progressives Congress seeking to consolidate its grip on power while opposition parties struggle with internal crises and fragmentation. The PDP, which ruled Nigeria for 16 years before losing the presidency in 2015, has been plagued by leadership battles and defections that have weakened its capacity to mount a credible challenge to the APC.
Near Gaffe Highlights Tensions
The remarks came after Akpabio almost committed an embarrassing gaffe while trying to recognise members of the National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress present at the event, reportedly almost saying “PDP NWC” before correcting himself.
The incident underscores the complex political dynamics in Abuja, where Wike remains a member of the PDP despite serving in the APC-led Federal Government, a development that has continued to deepen divisions within the opposition party. His role in President Tinubu’s administration has been a major source of internal disagreement since his appointment, with many PDP faithful viewing his acceptance of the ministerial position as a betrayal of the party’s cause.
Wike’s unique position as a PDP governor-turned-minister in an APC government has created an unprecedented political anomaly, blurring the lines between ruling party and opposition and raising questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s political system. The FCT Minister has defended his decision to serve in the Tinubu administration, arguing that his priority is the development of the Federal Capital Territory rather than partisan politics.
PDP Fires Back
The opposition party has dismissed Akpabio’s claims, insisting that the PDP remains alive, strong, and undergoing a rebuilding process ahead of future elections.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Jungudo, in a statement on Wednesday, said the party’s recent electoral victories, growing support base, and influx of prominent political figures across the country demonstrate its continued relevance and national appeal.
“For twenty-seven years, the Peoples Democratic Party has weathered political storms, overcome difficult moments, and consistently emerged stronger. This season of renewal will be no exception, and we are bold to say that: The PDP is alive, the PDP is strong, and the PDP is rebuilding,” Jungudo said.
The PDP described Akpabio’s remarks as political wishful thinking, arguing that recent events instead highlight the party’s longstanding record of producing capable leaders currently serving in government. The party pointed to its recent by-election victory in Rivers State as evidence that it retains significant electoral appeal despite the challenges it faces.
Praise for Wike’s Performance
Despite his dismissal of the PDP, Akpabio commended Wike for his performance as FCT minister, saying the pace of development in Abuja had distinguished him from previous office holders.
“My dear brother, the Minister of the FCT, the performing Minister of the FCT, who has made his predecessors look like they came to drink tea in Abuja, all these things they are doing, I can tell you people are baffled. You and the President are performing miracles here,” he said.
The praise for Wike’s performance reflects the growing recognition of the FCT Minister’s administrative capabilities, even among his political adversaries. Under Wike’s leadership, Abuja has witnessed a flurry of infrastructure projects aimed at transforming the nation’s capital into a modern city befitting Africa’s largest economy.
Context of Party Realignments
The comments come amid continued political realignments and growing conversations around the strength and future of opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections. The PDP has been plagued by internal crises, with factions fighting for control of the party’s leadership structure.
The ruling APC has been accused of using its influence to destabilise opposition parties, including appointing Wike, a PDP member, as FCT Minister and tasking him with weakening the opposition’s ability to produce a presidential candidate. The Supreme Court ruling of April 2026, which held that neither faction of the PDP was legitimate, further deepened the party’s crisis.
For now, the Senate President’s mocking remarks have added fuel to an already volatile political landscape, with the opposition insisting it is far from finished. As Jungudo put it: “The PDP is alive, the PDP is strong, and the PDP is rebuilding.” Whether the party can overcome its internal divisions and mount a credible challenge to the APC in 2027 remains to be seen, but for now, the battle lines are clearly drawn.
