The Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed claims by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that the opposition party is dead, insisting that only Nigerians—not political opponents—will determine the party's electoral fate in the 2027 general elections.
The faction maintained that despite its internal challenges, the PDP remains "alive, healthy and firmly positioned" to reclaim power, stressing that recent political developments across the country demonstrate the party's growing acceptance ahead of the next election cycle.
In a statement issued on Friday by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Haruna Jungudo, the faction described Akpabio's remarks as "political wishful thinking" that does not reflect the realities on the ground.
"The PDP is not dead. The PDP is alive. The PDP is healthy. Above all, the PDP remains a beautiful bride on hot demand, firmly positioned to win future elections and lead Nigeria towards a brighter, more prosperous future," Jungudo said.
He argued that the strength and longevity of political parties are determined by the confidence and support of the electorate rather than the opinions of political rivals.
"History teaches that political parties derive their strength, legitimacy and longevity not from the verdict of their opponents but from the confidence, support and trust of the people.
"For 27 years, the Peoples Democratic Party has weathered political storms, overcome difficult moments and consistently emerged stronger. This season of renewal will be no exception. We are bold to say the PDP is alive, the PDP is strong and the PDP is rebuilding," he added.
The PDP spokesman cited what he described as recent gains by the party, including the decision of Iyabo Obasanjo to identify with the PDP, the defection of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami to the party, victories in the Adamawa State local government elections and the Rivers State Senate bye-election, as well as the influx of political leaders from Katsina, Jigawa, Imo, Oyo and other states.
According to him, these developments underscore the party's growing national appeal and readiness to compete effectively in future elections.
Jungudo said the party viewed Akpabio's declaration that the PDP was dead, and his advice to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to "allow what is dead to remain dead," as an inaccurate assessment of the country's political landscape.
"With profound respect for the President of the Senate and the exalted office he occupies, we must state that such a declaration is more reflective of political wishful thinking than the reality on the ground," he said.
The statement comes amid renewed political realignments and intensified positioning by major parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the PDP seeking to project confidence despite lingering internal divisions.
The Wike-backed faction insisted that the ultimate verdict on the party's future would be delivered by Nigerian voters at the ballot box rather than by its political adversaries.
