Wike defends support for Tinubu as “political realism”

By Stanley Onyekwere

Former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing critique of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), labeling its pursuit of the presidency as unrealistic following a “deep” internal crisis.
Speaking on the party’s future, Wike dismissed critics of his relationship with the President, describing his stance as a necessary embrace of “political realism” over playing to the gallery.
​Wike, who spoke with newsmen during a routine projects inspection Thursday, addressed the backlash from party chieftains, specifically responding to criticisms from former Anambra PDP Chairman, Dan Ulasi.
He accused his detractors of inconsistency and suggested their criticisms were merely groundwork for future defections to other parties, such as the Labour Party.
​Wike pointed out that those criticizing him failed to deliver seats for the PDP in their own states, specifically citing the party’s poor performance in Anambra.
​He revealed that even unnamed presidential aspirants admitted to him that winning the last election would be “difficult” given the party’s fractured state.
​Wike argued that the PDP cannot “contest for contesting’s sake” without first addressing the success and logistics required to match the ruling party’s candidate.
​The Minister asserted that the PDP’s path back to relevance lies not in presidential ambitions, but in a total structural overhaul following “deep” crises that have significantly pulled the party back.
​Wike insisted the party must focus on reconstructing its structure at the ward, local government, and state levels rather than focusing solely on the presidency.
​He highlighted the loss of various governorships as a major consequence of the party’s internal turmoil.
He stated that the goal is to “solidify the party” for the 2027 cycle, emphasizing that “every election is local” and success in one state like Rivers cannot be taken for granted elsewhere.
​Amidst the political friction, Wike emphasized that his administration remains focused on delivering quality through local empowerment.
He touted the success of using indigenous contractors for high-level projects in the FCT.
​He said: “Local firms handled the construction of the Abuja Customary Division, Judges’ Quarters, Magistrate Courts, and Residences for Heads of Court.
“Infrastructure such as bus terminals and sports centers are being delivered by local contractors.”
Wike stated that the administration has satisfied its search for quality by providing local content, proving that domestic firms can meet high standards.