Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has declared to President Bola Tinubu that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains the sole opposition party actively challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria. Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, made this assertion while reacting to the outcome of the Saturday by-elections conducted in six states by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
By-Election Results Spark Political Commentary
In the by-elections, the APC secured victories in five states, while the PDP won only one seat—in Rivers State. Despite the lopsided result, Wike argued that the PDP is the only party posing a genuine challenge to the APC. Speaking at the commissioning of a project in Abuja on Monday, June 22, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu, Wike stated: "Opposition is not about talking; it's about challenging the ruling party, and we are the only party doing so."
Wike's Remarks Draw Mixed Reactions
The minister's comments have sparked varied responses from Nigerians on social media. Segun Benson expressed optimism that the PDP would revive after Tinubu's administration: "Wike is cooking something that will materialise after the 2027 general elections... Probably, PDP will come alive again and be formidable at the behest of Mr President, albeit subtly."
Messi Rebirth disagreed, asserting that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a minor party and that the real opposition is the National Democratic Coalition (NDC): "ADC is a dwarfed political party for recycled politicians. The only opposition is the NDC, and it clearly shows that Atiku and his cohorts have been doing the same thing for the last 33 years while expecting different results. They should collapse their little structure and join forces with Peter Obi immediately."
Akorede maintained that Wike might be mistaken after the 2027 elections: "Wike is fooling himself. They scattered the PDP because of greed, and now he is saying their party is the main opposition. Where are the G5 and Atiku? All have left or are doing anti-party activities."
Shamsuddeen said Wike was being realistic: "The FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, will make us laugh and crack our ribs. Well, Mr Wike has just opened their eyes to the truth, only if they will hear. You do for me, I do for you."
Francisondari noted Wike's dual party affiliation: "How Wike has successfully managed to belong to two political parties simultaneously is a political phenomenon that deserves to be studied at Harvard University."
Broader Political Context
The by-elections, held across six states, saw the APC dominate, but Wike's remarks highlight ongoing tensions within the political landscape. The PDP, once the dominant party, has faced internal strife, including the defection of key members like the "G5" governors. Meanwhile, President Tinubu's administration has been consolidating power, with recent appointments such as Jimoh Ibrahim as permanent ambassador to the United Nations, where he was elected chairman of the budget and administration for the Fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly amid a $1.8 billion budget shortfall.
