WIKE REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR TINUBU AHEAD OF 2027 PRESIDENTIAL POLL

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has again declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential election. Wike restated his position while speaking with journalists in Abuja after inspecting ongoing road projects across the Federal Capital Territory, saying his priority remains mobilising support for the President’s re-election.

The former Rivers State governor also defended the Rainbow Coalition, a political arrangement involving individuals from different political platforms who support Tinubu’s administration and re-election bid. Wike rejected claims that the coalition was established to destabilise existing political parties, arguing that similar political alliances had existed during previous elections, including the G5 governors’ group that played a role in the 2023 political contest.

Wike further dismissed suggestions that his current political alignment was designed to position him for the 2031 presidential election. He said his immediate focus was the 2027 election and that political developments beyond that period would depend on circumstances and the interests of Tinubu and other political actors. He also maintained that his support for Tinubu should not be interpreted as an agreement that the Peoples Democratic Party would withdraw from other electoral contests.

The FCT minister had previously clarified that the PDP remained free to field candidates for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections in 2027. He said his decision to support Tinubu was specifically about the presidential election, while political parties could pursue their own interests in other races. Wike also argued that voters could support different parties in presidential and legislative elections held on the same day, citing the outcomes of the 2023 elections in states including Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi.

Speaking on developments in the FCT, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of several ongoing road projects, including the Inner Southern Expressway, Southern Parkway and a road linking Nile University to Ring Road III. He said the projects were expected to be completed before the 2027 general elections and maintained that the Tinubu administration would continue working to deliver its development commitments. His renewed support for Tinubu comes as political parties and various political groups continue preparations for the 2027 elections.