A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to leave his current position as minister and pursue his long-standing presidential ambition under the PDP.
Sowunmi made this call during the Mic On podcast, where he spoke about the growing political activities already shaping the next general election.
NOP NIGERIA reports that he said many politicians and parties have started making quiet moves as they prepare for future contests.
He described Wike’s current position as unusual, noting that the former Rivers State governor remains a strong figure in the PDP while also serving in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, this dual role places Wike in a powerful but complicated situation within Nigeria’s political space.
Sowunmi said if Wike truly wants to lead the country, he should take a clear step by leaving the government he is currently serving and return fully to the PDP to contest for the presidency.
He added that although he does not expect Wike to make such a move, it would be the next logical step if the minister is serious about his ambition.
He recalled that Wike had earlier shown interest in becoming president during the PDP primary election in 2023 but did not succeed.
Despite that setback, Sowunmi said Wike has continued to maintain strong influence within the party, especially in its internal structure.
He explained that Wike’s ability to remain relevant in the PDP while holding a position in the ruling party’s government shows how much control he still has within the opposition party.
This, he said, puts the minister in a good position to shape future decisions in the PDP if he decides to fully return.
“The next game on the table, which I know he is not going to do, will be for Nyesom Wike to retire from the APC government he is serving and pick the presidential ticket of the PDP and give it his best shot,” Sowunmi stated.
“You know why? Because he wanted to be president in 2023 anyway,” Sowunmi explained. “And now that he has succeeded in managing the party infrastructure, if he is brave enough to retire from their party, he should come and make himself a presidential candidate.”
