A prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has raised concerns that influential members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Chief Bode George, and some PDP governors, could be working behind the scenes to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. Eze, who also served as the National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples’ Democratic Party (nPDP), made these claims in a statement issued in Port Harcourt.
According to Eze, recent public statements from Wike, George, and some PDP governors appear to indicate a subtle backing for Tinubu’s second term, despite the hardships many Nigerians are enduring under the current administration. He also suggested that if Atiku Abubakar had selected Wike as his running mate in the 2023 elections, Wike would have likely worked towards securing Atiku’s victory. Eze praised Atiku for rejecting Wike as a potential vice-presidential candidate, saying the decision was beneficial for both Atiku’s future and Nigeria’s well-being.
Eze further criticized the Tinubu administration, urging it to prioritize effective governance over focusing on the 2027 elections. He argued that rather than forming political coalitions, the government should concentrate on policies that will directly benefit Nigerians and strengthen the economy. In reaction to comments by Bode George, who claimed that the PDP would be “finally buried” if Atiku secures the party’s presidential nomination, Eze questioned the opposition’s ability to mount a serious challenge to Tinubu, pointing to the difficulties faced by the PDP and Labour Party during the 2023 elections.
Eze also speculated that some PDP governors may be working to prevent the party from presenting a strong presidential candidate for 2027 or may be positioning a weak candidate who would struggle to gain widespread support. He stressed the need for opposition parties to unite to form a viable platform capable of challenging the APC in the next election. He echoed Atiku’s earlier statement about the necessity of a coalition to effectively unseat Tinubu.
In response to the PDP Governors’ Forum distancing itself from the coalition proposal, Eze highlighted leadership issues within the party. He accused certain PDP governors of prioritizing their interests rather than addressing the current administration’s impact on Nigerians. Eze concluded by challenging the PDP governors, urging them to reconsider their approach and focus on uniting opposition forces for the 2027 elections.
