Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that his continued tenure as a cabinet minister is directly tied to President Bola Tinubu's performance in the FCT and Rivers State during the 2027 presidential election. Wike made this statement during an engagement with the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association in Abuja. He emphasized that his political mandate requires concrete electoral success.
Wike announced that if the ruling party loses in the FCT and Rivers State at the presidential poll scheduled for January 16, 2027, he will formally tender his resignation the next day. He stated that his ability to deliver political results for the president in his primary areas of influence is crucial to his continued role as FCT Minister. Wike also revealed that the administration is building a multi-party coalition to secure victory across various elective offices in the FCT.
The Minister explicitly endorsed candidates across legislative tiers while reiterating total support for President Tinubu's re-election bid. He mentioned that the coalition is running a unified campaign across parties to deliver results in the FCT. Wike emphasized that if he cannot deliver in the FCT, then he is not qualified to hold the office. He also stated that he has a firm agreement with the president, and this affirmation marks the final confirmation of his commitment.
Meanwhile, Rotimi Amaechi, the Vice-Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress and former governor of Rivers State, has warned that many leaders of the opposition party will be retired from politics if President Tinubu is re-elected. Amaechi made this statement during the ADC-National Women League Conference in Abuja. He cited the example of how the All Progressives Congress defeated the Peoples Democratic Party at the center in 2015.
Amaechi charged the women to go to their states and wards and bring in votes, saying that is the only way ADC will be able to defeat APC. He emphasized that if the party wins the 2027 elections, many of the current leaders will be retired from politics. Amaechi also mentioned that he will not take any election lightly and will be actively involved in campaigning for the governorship elections.
Hajiya Titi Atiku Abubakar, who also spoke at the conference, urged the women not to be intimidated and to work for the betterment of Nigeria. She charged them to go out and convince their friends, neighbors, and others to vote for the ADC. Abubakar highlighted the economic challenges facing the country, citing the high cost of living and the difficulty in affording basic necessities like food and medicine.
The statements by Wike and Amaechi highlight the intense political climate in Nigeria as the country prepares for the 2027 presidential election. The election is expected to be a crucial test for the current administration, with various stakeholders vying for power and influence. The involvement of key leaders like Wike and Amaechi will likely play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the election.
Key points
- Wike will resign if Tinubu loses in FCT and Rivers State
- Amaechi warns of retirement for opposition leaders if Tinubu wins
- Abubakar urges women to work for ADC and better governance
