Politics

Wike says PDP has failed to reform, praises Tinubu’s leadership

Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for failing to learn from its setbacks and publicly commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has demonstrated stronger governance.

By Oyetoke Adedayo Ebenezer

2 min read 19 views Updated Aug 27, 2026
Former Rivers State Governor and influential PDP chieftain Nyesom Wike has said the opposition party “hasn’t learnt its lessons,” while expressing support for key policies of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during a media interview on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Wike lamented that the PDP has repeatedly failed to present coherent alternatives to the ruling party and has not reformed in ways that would make it competitive at the national level.

He said that despite losing power at the centre in 2015, the PDP has remained mired in internal divisions, factionalism, and strategic missteps that have weakened its capacity to connect with Nigerians.

Wike also offered rare public praise for President Tinubu, asserting that the APC administration has shown stronger resolve in tackling governance challenges, particularly in economic management and national security.

“We must be honest with ourselves. The PDP has not learnt its lessons, and that is why it continues to struggle,” Wike said. “This country needs leadership that makes hard decisions, and in certain areas, President Tinubu has shown that.”

His remarks mark another public divergence from many PDP leaders, who have largely positioned themselves in opposition to the APC government ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike dismissed suggestions that his comments were a sign of imminent defection, saying he remained committed to the PDP but stressed that the party must change its approach to win back public trust.

“They expect blind loyalty while ignoring the need for reform. That will not work,” he added.

The development highlights ongoing factional tensions within the PDP as the political landscape intensifies toward the next general election cycle.

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Summary

Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for failing to learn from its setbacks and publicly commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has demonstrated stronger governance. Former Rivers State Governor and influential PDP chieftain Nyesom Wike has said the opposition party “hasn’t learnt its lessons,” while...

Key takeaways
  • Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for failing to learn from its setbacks and publicly commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has demonstrated stronger governance.
  • Former Rivers State Governor and influential PDP chieftain Nyesom Wike has said the opposition party “hasn’t learnt its lessons,” while expressing support for key policies of President Bola Tinubu.Speaking during a media interview on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Wike lamented that the PDP has repeatedly failed to present coherent alternatives to the ruling party and has not reformed in ways that would make it competitive at the national level.He said that despite losing power at the centre in 2015, the PDP has remained mired in internal divisions, factionalism, and strategic missteps that have weakened its capacity to connect with Nigerians.Wike also offered rare public praise for President Tinubu, asserting that the APC administration has shown stronger resolve in tackling governance challenges, particularly in economic management and national security.“We must be honest with ourselves.
  • The PDP has not learnt its lessons, and that is why it continues to struggle,” Wike said.
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What is this story about?

Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for failing to learn from its setbacks and publicly commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has demonstrated stronger governance. Former Rivers State Governor and influential PDP chieftain Nyesom Wike has said the opposition party “hasn’t learnt its lessons,” while...

Who published this story?

Glow 99.1 FM published this story with Oyetoke Adedayo Ebenezer listed as author.

When was it published?

March 2, 2026

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