The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces an uphill task in winning the 2027 presidential election unless it first resolves its internal crisis and rebuilds its political structures.

Speaking during a media chat on Thursday, Wike said no political party could expect to win the presidency without strong grassroots structures and internal cohesion across the country.

He criticised the notion that Nigeria’s democracy depends solely on the participation of prominent opposition figures, insisting that democracy goes beyond the ambitions of individual politicians.

According to Wike, the PDP should prioritise rebuilding the party from the ward and state levels before focusing on the presidency, noting that national elections require years of preparation and effective structures in all 36 states.

The former Rivers State governor also dismissed claims that he was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), maintaining that he has consistently urged the PDP leadership to put its house in order and strengthen the party for future elections.