*Warns against rushed presidential bids ahead of 2027
*Declares PDP crisis over, opens door for returnees

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned political actors against rushing into the 2027 presidential race without adequate preparation, insisting that ambition must be matched with structure, strategy and readiness.

Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Wike stressed that contesting for the presidency requires more than a spontaneous declaration, noting that aspirants must be emotionally and psychologically prepared for the demands of the race.

With party primaries expected to commence on April 23, the former Rivers State governor warned that time and planning remain critical factors in mounting a credible bid.

“You cannot just wake up and say you want to run for the presidency without ensuring that enough preparation is made. What impact can you make?” he queried.

Wike also dismissed speculations about the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), affirming that the opposition party would participate actively in the 2027 general elections.

“I have no doubt that we have a lot of work to do. But what is important is that the PDP will be on the ballot in 2027, contrary to claims by some pundits that the party will not be there. We are going to make a great impact in certain areas,” he said.

The minister acknowledged that the PDP has not produced a president since 2015, but maintained that the party has remained resilient and relevant in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“From 2015 till now, we have not had a president, yet the party is still standing. The real question is: what are you going to do to keep the party relevant? Elections are also won at the sub-national level,” he added.

He emphasised the need for the party to strengthen its grassroots structures, warning against an overconcentration on the presidency at the expense of state and local political dominance.

“Everything is not about president, president, president,” Wike stated, urging party stakeholders to prioritise building a solid base across the states.

On the lingering internal crisis within the PDP, Wike declared that the party had moved past its divisions following its recent national convention, describing the disputes as a phase that has now been resolved.

“As far as I am concerned, the convention has come and gone. People are trooping in. Yes, we have had a crisis, but now the crisis is over. Do we still have to shut our doors? No. Certainly not,” he said.

He announced that the party’s doors are open to aggrieved members and defectors willing to return, noting that several former members have already indicated interest in rejoining the fold.

Wike, who likened politics to a game rather than a battle, criticised the “do-or-die” approach often associated with Nigerian politics, arguing that such a mindset undermines reconciliation efforts.

“Politics is not a fight to finish; it is like a game, like football. If you see it as do-or-die, it becomes difficult to reconcile. For us, it is not that way. We have had our differences, but if you are sincere, we can still work together to move the party forward,” he said.

He further advised aspiring politicians that relevance within the party would be determined by visibility, commitment and hard work, rather than mere declaration of intent.

“There is no doubt we have a lot of work to do, but what is important is that we have put the convention behind us,” he added.

The PDP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since 2025, with rival factions holding parallel conventions and contesting control of the party in court, raising concerns about its cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.