Wike: Political Office Won’t Determine My Role in Tinubu’s 2027 Victory
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he does not need a formal position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign council to contribute to the President’s re-election effort.
Wike’s position comes after the APC unveiled its presidential campaign structure for the 2027 election, with former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari named Director-General.
The FCT minister has remained publicly supportive of Tinubu’s re-election despite not being a member of the APC.
Wike prioritises FCT and Rivers
Wike has maintained that his political focus is on delivering results in the areas where he has influence rather than pursuing a prominent position in the campaign organisation.
He has previously explained that he would rather concentrate on the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State than accept a campaign position that could distract from his political responsibilities.
The minister has also argued that holding a senior position in a presidential campaign does not automatically translate into electoral success.
His position reflects his broader argument that politicians should be judged by their ability to deliver electoral results rather than by the titles they occupy within campaign structures.
‘I don’t need a role’
Wike’s comments come amid increased political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Tinubu’s campaign machinery now being assembled and opposition parties also stepping up their preparations.
The former Rivers governor has repeatedly expressed confidence in Tinubu’s prospects and has continued to maintain that political support for the President can extend beyond formal APC membership.
Wike’s political position has attracted considerable attention because he remains a PDP figure while simultaneously backing Tinubu, creating a political arrangement that has remained unusual within Nigeria’s current opposition landscape.
His relationship with Tinubu dates back to the 2023 election, when Wike and members of the political group that became known as the G5 governors opposed the presidential candidacy of Atiku Abubakar and worked against the position of the PDP’s national leadership.
Wike has since maintained his support for Tinubu while remaining outside the APC.
The minister’s latest position therefore suggests that he sees his political value less in occupying a formal campaign office and more in mobilising support within the territories and political structures where he retains influence.
As the 2027 election approaches, Wike’s continued support for Tinubu is expected to remain a significant part of the political calculations surrounding Rivers State and the FCT.