Wike’s Political Strategy Allegedly Targeted At Weakening PDP To Block Jonathan Or Obi From 2027 Contest

 

Political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are once again being stirred as a new allegation has surfaced regarding the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. According to political strategist and Group CEO of Global Investment and Trade Company, Baba Yusuf, Wike’s true mission is not only to remain a dominant force inside the PDP but also to prevent the party from presenting a formidable candidate in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, Yusuf outlined what he described as Wike’s “linchpin strategy.” His claims suggest that the former Rivers State governor is deliberately keeping the PDP unsettled in order to stop influential figures like former President Goodluck Jonathan or former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi from securing the party’s ticket.

Yusuf explained that the strategy being executed is subtle yet destructive. He pointed out that rather than strengthening the party, Wike is allegedly investing energy in fragmenting its unity. This, he argued, leaves PDP elders with little room to maneuver, since the foundation for such destabilization was laid years ago when Wike consolidated power and resources within the party.

“The PDP has effectively allowed Wike to dominate its structure,” Yusuf said. “He has been given the opportunity to wield influence to the extent that the party can no longer dictate terms without his approval. His aim is straightforward: make sure that the PDP cannot bring forward a serious contender like Jonathan or Obi who could challenge the ruling party.”

This allegation carries weight, given Wike’s history of clashing with the PDP leadership. His influence as governor of Rivers State and his subsequent role as Minister of the FCT have made him one of the most prominent figures in Nigerian politics. Critics have long suggested that Wike thrives on wielding leverage through unpredictability and political maneuvering.

Yusuf did not mince words when criticizing PDP elders. He noted that their failure to curtail Wike’s growing control over party structures was a costly mistake. Using a Hausa proverb to illustrate his point, he remarked that the party “slept on its hands and allowed the cob to become a lion.”

By placing much of the party’s funding in the hands of one powerful individual, Yusuf argued, PDP weakened its collective bargaining power. The party, in his view, is now boxed into a corner where Wike’s actions dictate the pace and direction of internal politics.

Looking ahead, Yusuf described both Jonathan and Obi as strong candidates who could pose serious challenges to the All Progressives Congress (APC) if given the PDP ticket. Jonathan carries the legacy of a former president with national recognition, while Obi has built a reputation as a reform-minded leader with significant grassroots support. Either candidate, according to Yusuf, would energize the PDP and potentially alter the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race.

However, he insisted that Wike’s plan is to prevent such a scenario. “The assignment is clear. He is playing a spoiler game designed to stop both Jonathan and Obi from emerging. If either of them secures the ticket, they would instantly become formidable candidates against the APC. That is precisely what Wike is trying to avoid,” Yusuf stressed.

The strategist further explained that the current scenario within the PDP is a political cul-de-sac, created by years of neglect in building a collective leadership structure. He observed that the centralization of resources and influence in the hands of one man undermined the institution of the party and reduced the voices of its elders.

Analysts watching the development believe Yusuf’s remarks highlight a larger crisis brewing in Nigerian opposition politics. The PDP, once the dominant party in the country, has struggled to regain its footing since losing the presidency in 2015. While internal rivalries, funding challenges, and defections have played their parts, the issue of Wike’s role has increasingly become a central debate.

For many within the party, the fear is that unresolved internal conflicts may once again deny PDP the opportunity to present a united front in 2027. The possibility of high-profile candidates like Jonathan or Obi being edged out due to factional battles could further weaken the opposition’s standing.

Observers say the coming months will reveal whether the PDP leadership can overcome what Yusuf describes as Wike’s strategy. The stakes are high, as failure to resolve these issues may guarantee another victory for the APC, regardless of the growing discontent among voters over governance challenges.

Yusuf concluded his remarks by calling for a return to institutional politics within the PDP, warning that as long as funding and influence remain concentrated in one man’s hands, the party will continue to struggle with instability. His comments have sparked fresh debate about whether Wike should remain central in PDP’s affairs or if the party must urgently restructure to avoid another electoral disaster.

At a time when Nigeria’s electorate is demanding stronger accountability, transparency, and visionary leadership, the crisis in PDP raises critical questions about whether the party can rise above internal rivalries to present a credible alternative in 2027.