Former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jacob Mark, has stated that Peter Obi should not be concerned about Nyesom Wike if he chooses to return to the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Mark dismissed the widely held belief that the PDP is under the control of the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who is serving in an All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
“Wike is not a member of the PDP. He has not attended any PDP meeting in over a year,” Mark asserted.
Mark emphasized that the idea of Wike controlling the PDP is greatly exaggerated, especially as the former Rivers governor holds no influence in many states, particularly in the North.
“Wike has zero influence in Kaduna State as far as the PDP is concerned. The PDP is being run independently across states, and we are focused on rebuilding without input from Abuja or any individual,” he said.
He also questioned Wike’s loyalty, citing his public admission of supporting PDP opponents in various states during the 2023 elections.
“How can you claim to be a PDP member and work against the party? In many places, we don’t even recognize him as part of the structure.”
Mark added that the exit of some party leaders has paved the way for a new generation to emerge within the PDP.
“Some people were just blocking the growth of others. Now that they’ve left, there’s room for new leadership. We don’t need recycled politicians who refuse to retire but still want to play.”
He further assured that the PDP is undergoing internal reforms and will soon emerge as a stronger, more vibrant opposition party.
“With the regrouping and refocusing efforts made by PDP founders in recent months, Nigerians will soon see a re-energized party ready to provide real opposition.”
Mark’s remarks come amid growing speculation that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, may return to the PDP ahead of 2027 — a move that some suggest may face resistance from entrenched interests within the party.
