A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dan Ulasi, has raised alarm over what he described as deep contradictions within the party, warning that it stands little chance of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections if Nyesom Wike continues to wield influence as its national leader.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, Ulasi expressed frustration over Wike’s perceived dual loyalty, insisting that the party cannot present a credible opposition while one of its top figures is seen aligning with the ruling government.
“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to exit the party if the issue remains unresolved.
The PDP stalwart criticised Wike’s political stance, arguing that it is untenable for him to maintain leadership within the party while supporting the administration of President Tinubu.
“I told Wike when last we met that you cannot be the national leader of PDP and then be supporting President Ahmed Tinubu. That is very unconstructive,” he added.
Ulasi further questioned Wike’s potential role should the PDP field a different presidential candidate in 2027, asking whether the former Rivers governor would actively support the party or align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Will he attend our convention? Will he attend our rallies? Or will he be going to that of APC?” he queried, describing the situation as a major challenge the party must urgently address.
He warned that his continued participation in party activities hinges on the leadership’s response, hinting that the next meeting could be his last if satisfactory explanations are not provided.
In a separate revelation, Ulasi confirmed multiple visits by former presidential candidate Peter Obi to his residence this year, including a recent stop shortly after Obi’s engagement at Coal City University in Enugu.
Despite speaking positively about Obi’s leadership vision and ideas for Nigeria, Ulasi stopped short of declaring any political alliance.
“If you listen to Peter Obi one-on-one, you will have hope for this country,” he said, praising Obi’s clarity of purpose and development plans.
Reflecting on his long-standing ties to the PDP, Ulasi noted that he was present at the party’s founding alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme, highlighting his reluctance to leave despite the current crisis.
However, he made it clear that if he eventually exits the party, he would not join another political platform.
“Once I leave the PDP, I will just be a private consultant… I will not enter any other party,” he stated.
