By Anas Abbas

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has expressed concerns that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) risks losing the 2027 presidential election to President Bola Tinubu unless it revises its zoning system.

During a live media interaction on Monday, Wike highlighted the party’s failure to adhere to its constitutional guidelines regarding the zoning of both the Chairmanship and presidential candidacy.

This statement comes on the heels of a recent induction ceremony led by former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, where former governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, and 38 other members were welcomed into the party’s Board of Trustees.

Since the conclusion of the 2023 elections, the PDP has been grappling with significant internal turmoil.

Tensions escalated following a confrontation between Governor Sim Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike in Rivers State, compounded by ongoing leadership disputes in the South-South region and the unresolved position of National Secretary, which has been vacant since December 2024.

Efforts to mend these divisions have been made by various top party organs, including the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and Governors Forum.

However, these initiatives have only served to deepen existing fractures within the party, further fragmenting state and zonal chapters.

Amidst this, several party members have chosen to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A significant shift occurred on April 23, when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other prominent officials transitioned to the APC, delivering a substantial blow to the PDP’s reputation and diminishing its prospects for the upcoming 2027 general elections.