The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly declared his intention to lead President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027.
This announcement comes amid growing criticism and confusion over Wike’s political allegiance, given his continued identification with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while actively participating in the affairs of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a media chat held in Abuja on Monday, June 2, Wike addressed these concerns head-on, stating unequivocally that his loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration is not in question. He emphasized that his current role within the federal government is a clear indication of his support for the president’s vision and policies.
“I have said this before,” Wike asserted. “Is it because I am serving under President Asiwaju that people are asking questions? Are you not aware that I will lead his campaign in Rivers State? Do you expect me to say otherwise?”
Wike went further to address the electoral dynamics in the FCT, referencing the 2023 presidential election in which President Tinubu garnered less than 10 percent of the total votes in the territory. He predicted a significant turnaround in the president’s fortunes during the next general election cycle.
“Are you not aware that he did not get up to 10 percent of the votes here in the FCT?” he asked rhetorically. “But come 2027, he will win here. Of course, you know that. Don’t ask questions you already know the answers to. It’s not a secret.”
By publicly declaring his readiness to champion Tinubu’s re-election bid, Wike appears to be sending a strong message to both his supporters in the PDP and observers in the APC: his loyalty lies with performance and leadership, not party labels.
His comments also highlight the increasingly blurred lines between political affiliations in Nigeria, particularly among influential figures navigating the complexities of governance and political strategy.