2027: PDP BoT backs Wike’s Tinubu role

By Lateef Ibrahim

The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) loyal to the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has thrown its weight behind his continued political activities in support of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The PDP BoT said Wike had acted with the knowledge and approval of the party when he accepted his appointment into the federal cabinet, insisting that the minister remained a valuable member of the opposition party.

Chairman of the BoT, Mao Ohuabunwa, stated this on Tuesday when the trustees visited Wike in Abuja to condole with him over the death of PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dan Orbih.

Ohuabunwa said Wike had formally notified the party before accepting the ministerial appointment and received its approval to serve in the federal government.

“When he was offered this appointment, he wrote to the party at all levels, and the party unanimously accepted and asked him to go and represent the party,” he said.

The PDP BoT chairman further expressed confidence in Wike’s performance as FCT minister, saying the party was proud of his capacity and achievements.

“We want to boldly say that as a party and as the conscience of the party and also the compass of this party, we are very, very proud of him,” Ohuabunwa said.

He also urged Wike to remain focused, saying the former Rivers State governor’s criticisms of developments within the PDP were valid.

“We are here to solidarize with him, encourage him and tell him to remain focused. Because everything he’s been saying about the party is nothing but the truth,” he added.

The BoT delegation described Orbih’s death as painful and shocking, noting his contributions to the party over the years.

Responding, Wike thanked the PDP trustees for the visit and reaffirmed his commitment to remaining a member of the party.

The minister also pledged to continue working with other members to rebuild and strengthen the PDP.

The development comes amid continuing political tensions surrounding Wike’s support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Wike’s political activities have also brought him into disagreement with some APC governors, particularly over the emerging Rainbow Coalition and its possible implications for the ruling party’s preparations for the 2027 polls.

Despite the political realignment, Tuesday’s visit by the PDP BoT provided a fresh indication that sections of the opposition party continue to regard Wike as an important member, even as he works within Tinubu’s administration and supports the President’s re-election bid.