WIKE CLARIFIES 2027 POSITION, SAYS HIS LOYALTY IS TO TINUBU

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified his political position ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying his support is specifically for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and not for the All Progressives Congress as a political party. Wike, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, has continued to support Tinubu despite serving in the APC-led Federal Government, a position that has generated debate within the opposition party. 

The former Rivers State governor has maintained that his decision to work with Tinubu was based on what he described as national interest rather than a formal defection to the APC. Wike has previously said he obtained the necessary permission from relevant PDP organs before accepting his ministerial appointment. He has also argued that, after former President Muhammadu Buhari completed eight years in office, the South should be allowed to complete its own eight-year presidential tenure under Tinubu.

Wike's position has placed him in a unique political situation, as he remains associated with the PDP while openly backing the incumbent president for another term. He has argued that supporting a different presidential candidate from the opposition would not be in the country's interest, particularly given the internal crisis and prolonged leadership disputes affecting the PDP. His political influence has also extended across party lines, especially in Rivers State, where his allies have maintained relationships with both PDP and APC figures.

The FCT minister has also warned politicians seeking political positions in 2027 not to assume that joining the APC automatically guarantees them an electoral ticket. He has said candidates must be able to demonstrate their performance and political value before expecting his backing. Wike has similarly stated that he has not endorsed any particular candidate for the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives or state assembly races, insisting that such decisions would be made at the appropriate time.

His continued backing of Tinubu is expected to remain a major issue as political parties and their potential candidates prepare for the 2027 elections. While Wike's relationship with the PDP remains complicated, his support for Tinubu has been consistent, with the minister presenting it as a political choice based on regional balance, continuity and what he considers the broader interest of the country rather than loyalty to the APC.