2027: PDP to adopt Tinubu as presidential candidate

…Strategic plan begins in states

As 2027 general election approaches, the political landscape is experiencing intense activity regarding 2027 alliances.

Squarely, a faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has actively positioned itself to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, rather than fielding a typical opposition candidate, BusinessDay political desk investigation revealed.

Wike, a prominent PDP member serving in the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, has explicitly stated, “I will support President Tinubu for a second term”. He has affirmed his support for Tinubu through 2031, dismissing rumours that he would run for president himself in 2027.

Sources closed to Wike faction of the PDP told BusinessDay that the faction loyal to Wike has begun organising party structures to align with this goal, including initiating a “Rainbow Coalition” in Rivers State that brings together members from both the PDP and APC to mobilise for Tinubu.

The Wike-backed faction has scheduled its primary elections, May 25, 2027 with a focus on nominating candidates who are not aligned with opposing PDP power blocs, specifically aimed at challenging the influence of northern PDP leaders who might seek the presidential ticket.

This move has caused intense friction within the PDP. Other PDP leaders, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, have disagreed with the move, affirming that while Wike has the right to his choice, they will not support Tinubu in 2027.

According to our source, Wike plan to “hold the PDP down” for Tinubu is to ensure the party does not offer a viable challenge to the incumbent in 2027.

“The Wike-backed faction is navigating internal party leadership disputes through the courts and setting its own timeline for party primaries, distinct from the other fractions PDP body”

Meanwhile, strategic planning aim at supporting President Tinubu’as second term bid ahead of 2027 presidential election between APC and Wike faction of PDP has begun in some states.

In Benue State, the strategic partnership meeting was held at the residence of former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who is also a leader of the PDP, in support of the second-term aspiration of Tinubu. The meeting was held with the APC faction in the state loyal to George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF).

Some of the individuals who attended the meeting include Mathias Byuan, executive director, Housing Finance and Accounts, Federal Housing Authority, Abuja; Michael Kaase Aondokaa, Pius Akutah, Jeffrey Kuraun, and Sebastian Hon.

However, APC faction loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has distanced itself from the strategic partnership meeting.

But in a press statement by Daniel Ihomun, state publicity secretary APC entitled ‘APC Benue Clarifies Attendance of Party Members at Pro-Tinubu Support Meeting,’ the party said APC believed that national development and the consolidation of the gains already being recorded under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu required broad-based support that transcends party lines.

“For the avoidance of doubt, members of the All Progressives Congress in Benue State remain open to invitation from any political group, association, or stakeholders who share a common commitment to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the realisation of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The APC believes that national development and the consolidation of the gains already being recorded under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu require broad-based support that transcends party lines.

“Consequently, we welcome the growing coalition of patriotic Nigerians and political groups who are keying into the Renewed Hope Agenda. Our great party appreciates the ongoing developmental strides of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“In recognition of these achievements, the APC in Benue State will continue to mobilise the people of the state irrespective of political affiliations to support and vote for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.”

In Osun and Ogun States, PDP has previously announced support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, citing him as a ‘son of the soil’ and focusing on his 2027 chances while remaining in the PDP.

In Ekiti State, PDP state leaders, including former governor Ayo Fayose, a PDP member, is a vocal supporter of President Tinubu and has endorsed him for the 2027 election. Despite retaining his PDP membership, Fayose has actively rallied support for Tinubu and Ekiti APC Governor Biodun Oyebanji, citing their performance.