The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has categorically stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot allocate its presidential ticket to a northern candidate in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Wike made this declaration during a media chat on Monday, in what appears to be a direct message to Atiku Abubakar, the party's presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.

"PDP cannot give the presidential ticket to the North in 2027," Wike emphasized, adding that "selfishness can kill a system."

The FCT Minister further explained the political implications of zoning in Nigeria's political landscape, using the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as an example.

"For example, if Mr. President runs and wins in 2027, by 2031 APC will send their presidential ticket to the North. PDP will do what then? You will come back then and say since APC is sending it to the North, we should follow them and give it to the North?" Wike questioned.

Wike's comments come amid ongoing discussions about power rotation between Nigeria's northern and southern regions, a sensitive issue that has shaped the country's political dynamics for decades.

The minister has recently been vocal about his role in the PDP, stating in other comments that he is "building PDP, not tearing it apart," despite criticisms from some party members about his alliance with the ruling APC government.

Political analysts view Wike's statement as an early indication of potential power struggles within the PDP as the party prepares its strategy for the 2027 presidential elections.

The PDP, Nigeria's main opposition party, is still recovering from its defeat in the 2023 elections and internal conflicts that have affected its unity and electoral prospects.