- The Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP) has said comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, during Monday's media chat have highlighted strains within President Bola Tinubu's political camp ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group said the media engagement reflected challenges in building broad elite consensus around the president's re-election bid, particularly among opposition figures and political leaders who have declined to align with the current administration.
The position was contained in a statement by Barr. Obinna Nwachukwu, Protem National Coordinator of the CP-PDP, in which the group expressed concern over the tone and substance of the minister's remarks during the interaction.
"Today's media chat by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has further confirmed the challenges confronting efforts to secure the support of credible Nigerians for President Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027," Nwachukwu said.
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According to the CP-PDP, references made by the minister to internal matters of the Peoples Democratic Party suggested attempts to influence the party's leadership structure, which it said had contributed to recent tensions within the opposition.
"From Chief Wike's responses during the media chat, including comments relating to leadership issues within the PDP, it is clear that recent tensions within the party are not organic but externally induced," the group said.
The conference said the media chat had also drawn attention to ongoing legal and administrative disputes affecting the PDP, including court cases and controversies surrounding party offices and officials.
"Through Chief Wike's media chat, Nigerians can now better understand the context surrounding the court actions against the PDP, the disputes involving the party's National Working Committee, and the controversies surrounding the sealing of the PDP National Secretariat," Nwachukwu said.
Despite these developments, the CP-PDP maintained that the PDP remains resilient and institutionally strong, insisting that it is capable of withstanding political pressure ahead of future elections.
"Our response is that the PDP remains deeply rooted and resilient, and cannot be derailed by external interference," the group said.
The conference added that it would no longer engage in extended exchanges over the minister's remarks, noting that its focus remains on internal consolidation and preparation for future electoral contests.
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It also called on public officials to use media engagements to address policy and governance issues affecting citizens, including matters concerning residents and businesses in the Federal Capital Territory.
"Live media engagements should provide opportunities for direct public engagement on governance issues, service delivery and accountability," Nwachukwu added.
