• 02 Jun, 2025
• FAITH MIMDOO KEGH
• No comment

Wike Opens Up: Why PDP Never Captured Lagos

In a rare moment of political candor, Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has acknowledged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made several calculated but ultimately failed attempts to take control of Lagos State during its years in power.

Speaking during a media parley with journalists in Abuja, Wike gave insight into the party’s long-standing ambition to dominate the political landscape of the Southwest, especially Lagos—the country’s economic hub.

   The 2003 Strategy That Almost Worked—But Didn’t

Back in 2003, the PDP set its sights on sweeping the Southwest. It succeeded in five out of six states: Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo. But Lagos remained a stronghold of the opposition, under the leadership of then-Governor Bola Tinubu. Despite being in power federally from 1999 to 2015, the PDP never managed to break that hold.

Wike, a senior PDP figure now serving in a cabinet dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC), didn’t shy away from admitting the party’s shortcomings.

   From 1999, it’s been complaints—’Tinubu did this, Tinubu rigged that.’ Even when we were in power, we tried our best to win Lagos. It didn’t work,” he said.

  Internal Party Tensions Come to Light

Wike’s remarks appeared to be a direct response to criticisms from Chief Bode George, a longtime PDP stalwart in Lagos. George had recently accused Wike of turning his back on the party, especially after the controversial sealing of the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.

Wike defended his actions, arguing that political influence is built by individuals, not just by party affiliation.

    Who has the PDP produced in Lagos? Nothing significant. People should stop pretending we were ever in charge there,” Wike said bluntly.

     A Reality Check for the PDP?

Wike’s statement serves as a wake-up call to the PDP and its supporters, particularly those still hoping for a breakthrough in Lagos. His message was clear: success in politics isn’t just about holding federal power or party loyalty—it’s about building influence where it counts.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

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