Former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has once again sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape with a bold declaration that is already reshaping conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with characteristic confidence, Wike vowed to reclaim power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and return it to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring, “I’m going to take this power from APC, back to PDP, by the grace of God.”
The statement is striking, given Wike’s controversial political trajectory since the 2023 elections.
A longtime PDP stalwart and two-term governor elected on the party’s platform, Wike openly worked against his party’s presidential candidate in 2023 and threw his weight behind APC’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
His subsequent appointment as FCT Minister in an APC-led government deepened perceptions of political realignment and fueled accusations of betrayal from sections of the PDP.
However, Wike’s latest remarks suggest that his alliance with the APC may be more tactical than ideological.
Political analysts argue that the former governor is signaling a long-term strategy aimed at maintaining relevance, influence, and bargaining power across party lines.
Known for his mastery of grassroots politics and control of political structures, Wike appears keen to remind both parties that he remains a central figure in Nigeria’s power equation.
Within the PDP, reactions have been sharply divided. While some leaders view Wike’s declaration as an opening for reconciliation and a possible pathway to strengthening the party ahead of 2027, others remain wary.
They insist that trust has been eroded and that any return must be backed by concrete actions rather than rhetoric.
Still, even critics concede that Wike’s political machinery, financial muscle, and strategic instincts are assets the party cannot easily dismiss.
For the APC, Wike’s statement serves as a reminder of the fluid and interest-driven nature of Nigerian politics.
Despite his current role in President Tinubu’s cabinet, his declaration raises questions about the durability of political alliances and whether his ambitions ultimately lie beyond the ruling party.
It also underscores the reality that coalition politics in Nigeria often come with shifting loyalties.
As the countdown to 2027 gradually begins, Wike’s pronouncement has reintroduced uncertainty into an already complex political environment.
Whether his words mark the beginning of a genuine return to the PDP or simply another calculated move in his well-known power play remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that Nyesom Wike has once again positioned himself at the center of Nigeria’s evolving political drama.
