(DDM) – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to urgently resolve its lingering internal disputes, warning that continued division could seriously damage the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
Wike delivered the warning while speaking to party stakeholders, stressing that political parties that fail to learn from past mistakes often repeat them at great cost.
He said the PDP must take deliberate and difficult decisions now if it hopes to remain relevant as a strong opposition force ahead of the next election cycle.
According to the former Rivers State governor, internal crises have weakened the PDP’s cohesion since the 2023 elections, creating confusion among supporters and diminishing public confidence in the party’s ability to govern.
He argued that unresolved leadership tussles and factional battles send the wrong signal to Nigerians who are looking for stability, clarity, and direction.
Wike urged party leaders to prioritise unity over personal ambition, noting that political victories are rarely achieved in an atmosphere of distrust and internal sabotage. He warned that history has shown that divided parties often enter elections at a disadvantage, regardless of their popularity or past achievements.
The FCT minister reminded PDP leaders that the party once enjoyed nationwide dominance because of its strong internal structure, discipline, and capacity to manage disagreements through dialogue. He said those values must be restored if the PDP hopes to compete effectively against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
He also criticised what he described as a culture of indecision within the party, arguing that postponing difficult choices only worsens internal problems. According to him, leadership requires courage, especially when difficult reforms are necessary to reposition a political organisation.
Wike noted that Nigerians are increasingly paying attention to how political parties conduct their internal affairs, adding that a party that cannot manage itself will struggle to convince voters that it can manage the country.
He further advised the PDP to focus on rebuilding trust among its members, strengthening its grassroots base, and presenting a clear ideological direction that resonates with ordinary citizens. He said electoral success depends not only on popular candidates but also on a united party machinery capable of mobilising voters nationwide.
The warning comes amid ongoing disagreements within the PDP over leadership positions, zoning arrangements, and strategic direction following its defeat in the last general elections. Several party elders and stakeholders have also expressed concern that unresolved conflicts could push aggrieved members into rival parties.
Wike concluded by stressing that 2027 may represent a decisive moment for the PDP, urging leaders to act swiftly and wisely to avoid repeating past errors that could further weaken the party’s political standing.