Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims of division within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that Sandy Onor remains the party’s only recognised presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Wike made the declaration during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, June 1, while reacting to developments that saw two rival camps within the PDP announce separate presidential candidates over the weekend.
While the Wike-backed bloc endorsed Sandy Onor, another group aligned with Tanimu Turaki announced former President Goodluck Jonathan as its preferred candidate in absentia.
Jonathan has yet to publicly comment on the endorsement.
Speaking on the controversy, Wike questioned the rationale behind naming a candidate who had not openly declared interest in the race.
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“Do you pick someone who has not told you he wants to run for an election?” he said.
The former Rivers State governor also rejected suggestions that the PDP is divided, maintaining that the party remains united under its recognised structure.
“There is no faction in the PDP, the only presidential candidate of the PDP is Sandy Onor,” he said.
Wike further argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognises only one official secretariat for the PDP, stressing that the party’s legitimate headquarters remains at Wadata Plaza in Abuja.
“INEC must know the secretariat of all political parties. The INEC-recognized PDP secretariat is Wadata Plaza and not anyone’s private office or bedroom,” he said.
The comments come amid growing uncertainty within the PDP following parallel political activities by rival camps as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.