Lere Olayinka Says Some Opposition Candidates Know They Cannot Win Election
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has claimed that some of the presidential candidates preparing to contest the 2027 election are not seriously seeking victory but are participating mainly to establish their political presence.
Olayinka made the statement during an interview on Arise News on Friday while discussing the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the increasing number of presidential hopefuls does not necessarily translate into an equally large number of candidates with a realistic pathway to victory.
‘Some Are Just Making An Impression’
Olayinka argued that some politicians entering the presidential race understand the limitations of their political structures and therefore may not genuinely expect to emerge victorious.
He said some candidates were instead interested in making an impression, strengthening their political profile and positioning themselves for future political opportunities.
His comments come as Nigeria’s opposition landscape continues to experience major realignments ahead of the 2027 election.
The political environment has witnessed the emergence of new alliances and platforms, with several prominent politicians seeking to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Opposition Faces Fragmentation
The Wike aide’s argument centres on the longstanding problem of opposition fragmentation in Nigerian elections.
Several prominent politicians have declared their intentions to contest the 2027 presidency, while political parties and coalitions continue to negotiate possible alliances.
Olayinka questioned whether all the candidates have the political structures, geographical reach and voter support required to win a nationwide presidential election.
He suggested that merely appearing on the ballot does not necessarily mean a candidate has a viable electoral pathway.
Wike Camp Backs Tinubu
Olayinka’s comments are consistent with the position of Wike and his political allies, who have openly backed President Tinubu for the 2027 election.
Wike has repeatedly argued that Tinubu’s political strength and performance give the president an advantage heading into the next election.
The FCT minister has also been critical of opposition politicians whom he believes underestimate the strength of the APC.
2027 Race Takes Shape
The 2027 presidential contest is gradually becoming more competitive, with opposition figures attempting to consolidate support while the APC works to defend the presidency.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has positioned itself as one of the major opposition platforms, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has also emerged as another political vehicle.
With the election still ahead, negotiations over alliances, candidates and campaign structures are expected to intensify.
Olayinka’s latest remarks therefore add to the growing political debate over which presidential hopefuls have a realistic chance of defeating the incumbent.