Stop the Games: 2027 Will Not Be Business as Usual Wike Warns Party Leaders

In 2023, I told them clearly: it’s in our Constitution, and it’s part of our tradition—when one zone takes the Chairmanship, the other should take the Presidential ticket. But because of selfish interests, they manipulated the process. They said, “Let’s hold off on zoning; we’ll handle it later.” Next thing, people were already buying nomination forms. We laughed. It was clear—they had no intention of zoning.

One zone took the Chairmanship, and that same zone also took the Presidential ticket. We said, “Okay, let peace reign, let’s maintain unity and have a voice.” But they kept going back and forth, dragging their feet.

We warned them: this back and forth will cost you. They brushed it off, saying, “Forget it, we’ve won the election. Who are they?” Arrogance set in. And look at where we are as a party today.

Now I’m asking—where are you zoning the presidency for 2027? Where will you go next? Some of the smart ones who have interests are already saying, “Nooo, it’s not time yet.” But how many times will you play this same game and still think you’re outsmarting everyone?

You’re heading into a National Convention and want the South to produce the Chairman, so you can deny the South the Presidential ticket again. You say, “The South already has the national presidency, so let’s take the candidate from the North.” But if that’s your thinking, why not just come out now and declare that your 2027 presidential candidate will come from the South? You won’t do that.

You want to play the same game you played in 2023. It will backfire. And when it does, you’ll start pointing fingers: “Wike did this, they did that.” I’ve said it before—this so-called smartness won’t help you. Be open, be honest. Let Nigerians and party members know the direction we’re heading. But if you continue with these old games, it won’t work.

And don’t say tomorrow, “Wike, Wike…” I’m telling you now—stop this smartness. I will not agree.