Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will lead the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign in Rivers State during the 2027 general elections, reaffirming his commitment to the party despite serving under the APC-led Federal Government.
Wike made this known during a media parley held Monday in Abuja, where he addressed increasing internal criticism about his loyalty to the PDP.
“I am still in PDP. I worked hard for the party,” he said. “I have not seen anybody who has the guts to tell me, ‘Wike, you are not a member of the party.’ Who is that? What is his contribution to the party that is more than me?”
The former Rivers State governor dismissed allegations of betrayal by fellow party members, stressing that his allegiance remains solid and his influence within the PDP unshaken.
“No one will take me from the party. I’m a member. In fact, I’ll lead the PDP campaign in Rivers by 2027,” he added.
On his stewardship as FCT Minister, Wike stated that he is proud of the transformative work his administration is doing in the capital city, noting that past ministers lacked the courage to challenge powerful interests.
“Look at what we are doing differently. People said FCT was not working, but now it is. That means I’m doing things they refused to do,” he said.
Wike, known for his confrontational political style, said he finds satisfaction in holding elites accountable and enforcing laws fairly.
“Most of them didn’t have the courage to annoy people or step on toes. But I take joy in stepping on the toes of big men — those who think nothing will happen. I say something will happen. It makes me happy.”
“They want me to only go after the poor, but I say something will happen whether you’re rich or not. That is why we are getting results. If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care.”
Wike’s comments come amid lingering tensions within the PDP following the 2023 elections, and his controversial alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
