Kenneth Okonkwo sparks controversy, alleging PDP has zoned its 2027 presidency to Nyesom Wike while strengthening Tinubu’s chances of re-election.
Former spokesperson of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Kenneth Okonkwo, has dropped a political bombshell, alleging that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has already surrendered its 2027 presidential ticket to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Okonkwo, who made the revelation during an appearance on Channels TV’s breakfast show on Friday, accused the former Rivers State governor of dictating PDP’s internal affairs while openly working against the party. He further argued that Wike’s actions amount to outright anti-party activity, which, in his words, has weakened PDP’s credibility and strengthened President Bola Tinubu’s grip ahead of 2027.
Wike’s Grip on PDP
According to Okonkwo, Wike has consistently imposed his personal interests on PDP, even at the expense of regional consensus and party unity. He recalled how Wike sidelined the entire South East when it demanded Udo Okoye as the party’s National Secretary. Instead, Wike allegedly forced the emergence of Samuel Anyanwu, who eventually secured the position.
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“The whole South East stood for Udo Okoye, but Wike said no—it must be Samuel Anyanwu. And today, it is Anyanwu. This is how he has been running the party,” Okonkwo noted.
He stressed that while the Supreme Court ruling later affirmed Anyanwu’s position, it was not an endorsement of Wike’s influence, but rather a recognition that political parties have the constitutional right to determine their leadership structure.
Accusations of Anti-Party Conduct
Okonkwo went further to accuse Wike of crude anti-party behavior, highlighting his public statements in support of opposition candidates in the 2023 general election.
“You all saw him in 2023, openly declaring support for another political party’s presidential candidate. He pretended to have a reason then, but what excuse will he give in 2027? Wike has already turned PDP into his personal project, and by his actions, the party has zoned its presidential ticket to him—and indirectly to Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Okonkwo alleged.
The former LP campaign spokesperson warned that such conduct threatens the survival of PDP as a viable opposition force, insisting that the party is now sliding into irrelevance under Wike’s shadow.
PDP’s Internal Crisis Deepens
Okonkwo’s remarks come at a time when the PDP is still grappling with deep internal divisions following the 2023 elections. The party has been rocked by defections, leadership tussles, and accusations of betrayal within its ranks.
Wike, often described as the strongman of Rivers politics, has remained a central figure in the crisis. His controversial appointment as FCT Minister by President Tinubu further fueled speculations about his loyalties, with many accusing him of aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) despite being a PDP chieftain.
Okonkwo’s latest claims appear to reinforce those suspicions, raising fears that the PDP might be too compromised to effectively challenge the APC in 2027.
What This Means for 2027
If Okonkwo’s assertions prove accurate, PDP’s internal struggles could pave the way for President Tinubu to consolidate power and secure re-election. Analysts warn that the inability of Nigeria’s main opposition party to unite under a clear candidate could leave the political landscape heavily tilted in favor of the ruling APC.
For now, PDP has not officially reacted to Okonkwo’s allegations, but the comments are already generating heated debate within political circles. Many observers are questioning whether Wike’s influence is a strength for the party—or the very force tearing it apart.
