Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has sparked fresh political controversy by comparing those defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Speaking at a national convention organized by his faction of the PDP on Sunday, March 29, 2026, Wike asserted that both the defectors and Obi share a common “lack of leadership traits,” specifically citing an inability to stay and resolve internal party crises.
“He Ran Away” – Wike Critiques Obi
Wike’s comparison centered on Peter Obi’s departure from the Labour Party (LP) following the 2023 elections. According to the Minister, a true leader remains to fix a “house in crisis” rather than seeking a new platform when challenges arise.
“I liken those who defected from the PDP to the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party; they lack leadership traits,” Wike stated. “The Labour Party gave him the platform, but when a crisis came and he was supposed to show leadership, he ran away because he could not solve problems.”
This critique follows Peter Obi’s official defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in early January 2026, a move Obi described as a “rescue mission” to unite opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Parallel Conventions and Legal Battles
The convention held by the Wike-led faction took place in Abuja despite significant legal hurdles and a deepening rift within the PDP:
- The Factional Split: While Wike’s group proceeded with their assembly, a rival faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki—and backed by Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo)—has challenged the legitimacy of the FCT Minister’s caretaker committee.
- Judicial Uncertainty: The Supreme Court is currently reviewing an Appeal Court ruling that nullified a previous national convention held in Ibadan (Oyo State) by the Turaki-led group. Wike’s faction has dismissed rival claims to leadership as “academic.”
Support for Tinubu in 2027
Reiterating a stance that has alienated him from mainstream opposition figures, Wike maintained that his faction of the PDP would not produce a presidential candidate for the 2027 race. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This aligns with recent claims by Governor Seyi Makinde, who alleged that Wike had previously vowed to “hold the PDP” for the President to ensure a smoother path to re-election in exchange for his continued role in the cabinet.
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