PDP chieftain, Dan Ulasi has raised concerns about the internal dynamics of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that the party risks weakening its chances in the 2027 presidential election if unresolved contradictions persist.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Ulasi argued that the PDP, in its current state, may find it difficult to mount a strong challenge against Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly with Nyesom Wike occupying a leadership role while also supporting the incumbent president.
“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader. These are part of the contradictions, which if I’m not properly informed and explained to, I will leave the party. And I want to be quoted accurately,” he said.
Ulasi maintained that Wike’s dual positioning raises serious questions about party loyalty and direction, noting that such a situation could undermine confidence within the party’s ranks.
“I told Wike when last we met that you cannot be the national leader of PDP and then be supporting President Ahmed Tinubu. That is very unconstructive,” he said.
He further questioned how Wike’s role would play out if the PDP produces a presidential candidate ahead of the next election cycle.
“Supposing I or somebody else emerges as the presidential candidate of PDP, what will he be doing as leader of the party? Will he attend our convention? Will he attend our rallies? Or will he be going to that of APC? So that is the problem Wike has to explain,” he said.
Ulasi warned that his continued participation in party activities may depend on how these issues are addressed at the next meeting.
“This might be one of the last I will attend. If I’m not satisfied with the explanations they will give, you will hear from me again because I cannot run a contradictory process,” he said.
Beyond internal party matters, Ulasi disclosed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent stop after an event at Coal City University in Enugu.
“He just gave me about 30 minutes’ notice that he was coming. And I called a couple of my friends, some top Southeasterners who were in town. And they came,” he said.
While he did not indicate any formal political alignment, Ulasi spoke positively about Obi’s vision and approach to governance.
“If you listen to Peter Obi one-on-one, you will have hope for this country. You will have tremendous hope that somebody has a concept of what he wants to do and how he will do it for the overall benefit of our people,” he said.
Reflecting on his long association with the PDP, Ulasi emphasised that his connection to the party dates back to its formation, recalling his presence alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding figures.
“I was the one standing directly behind late Dr. Alex Ekueme and a couple of other people by my side, and Atiku and his group were on the other side, and that’s how PDP was formed. That is why you can see I’m very, very reluctant,” he said.
Despite his reservations, he suggested that leaving the party remains a possibility if his concerns are not addressed. However, he made it clear that he would not join another political platform.
“I tell people once I leave the PDP, I will just be a private consultant to anybody who comes to ask me questions. I will not enter any other party because I’ve never done that in the past,” he said.
