Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recently utilized his monthly media chat in Abuja to address a wide array of pressing political issues, ranging from the internal dynamics of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the political ambitions of prominent figures and the landscape of Rivers State politics.

Wike expressed significant concerns regarding the stability and future of the PDP, unequivocally stating that the party would have "ceased to exist" if not for his personal dedication and love for its survival. He highlighted the perilous nature of internal crises within an opposition party, arguing that such parties cannot thrive when embroiled in serious conflicts. He cautioned against arrogance and impunity, urging the party to prioritize resolving its issues. Furthermore, Wike hinted at the potential cancellation of the scheduled PDP National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, if the party's underlying crises remain unresolved. He clarified that the venue was not the core problem, but rather the unresolved issues "leading to the convention," emphasizing the necessity of taking appropriate preparatory steps to ensure a successful and legitimate gathering. He noted that the PDP had agreed to set up a committee for the Southeast and Ebonyi regions, and his own team was meeting to deliberate on these matters.

A central theme of Wike's discussions was his strong opposition to the potential return of Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, to the PDP fold, particularly if it involved offering him the 2027 presidential ticket. Wike vehemently warned Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors' Forum, against such a move, asserting that bringing Obi back would effectively "kill the party" and deepen its existing internal crisis. He recalled Obi's past criticisms, wherein he allegedly described the PDP as "rotten," questioning why the party would now be considered "good enough" for his ambition. Wike also challenged Obi's moral authority to comment on election conduct, referencing Obi's own decision to conduct local government elections just two months before leaving office as Anambra State governor after eight years. He suggested that such ambition could lead individuals to "Satan’s house" and that opening the party's doors to someone who "publicly discredited the same organisation" would be counter-productive, further destroying the party.

Wike also directed sharp criticism towards former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, particularly regarding his consistent pursuit of the Nigerian presidency and his comments on the Rivers State local government election. Mocking Atiku's "political sojourn" across multiple parties—including PDP, AC, APC, and ADC—in his bid for the presidency, Wike wondered if "drugs for the presidency" had been prescribed for him. He dismissed Atiku's condemnation of the Rivers State local government election results as unlawful, asserting that the polls were legally conducted and widely commended for being free and fair. Wike accused Atiku of supporting the Rivers government in disobeying a court order that had stopped the election. He further contended that Atiku lacked a full understanding of presidential powers concerning emergency rules, attributing this to a perceived "recalcitrance" towards his former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, in 2004.

Furthermore, Wike offered counsel to former President Goodluck Jonathan, advising him against rejoining the 2027 presidential race. Wike expressed his belief that Jonathan "enjoys being respected internationally as a statesman" and should continue in that esteemed role. He suggested that those currently advocating for a Jonathan candidacy were the same "political actors who played him" during the 2015 elections, warning the PDP against making decisions that could exacerbate its internal problems.

Addressing predictions for the 2027 presidential election, Wike challenged former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai's assertion that President Bola Tinubu would finish third. While acknowledging el-Rufai's frankness, Wike called this prediction a "goof" and a "mathematics" failure, urging him to name who would come first and second if he possessed such insight. Wike confidently asserted that Tinubu would "win this election squarely," dismissing any parallels to past political outcomes like Jonathan's experience. He also firmly declared his own unyielding political stronghold in Rivers State, stating, "as I am sitting down here, do I look like someone you can come and win Rivers state from? It is not possible."

Finally, Wike touched upon the political landscape in Rivers State, describing the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a "threat" to him there. He attributed this threat to the unprecedented level of political appointments from Rivers State at the federal level, which he claimed had never been witnessed before, even under military or civilian rule. Despite being a member of the PDP, Wike admitted this situation posed a "problem" for him, indicating a challenge to his traditional influence. However, he emphasized his reliance on the continued "faith" his people have in him. Reaffirming his integrity and character, Wike reiterated his commitment not to contest the presidency against President Bola Tinubu, stating his position is clear as he will not run against his his "appointer."