President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to give Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a defined role in his 2027 presidential campaign. Wike, the former Rivers State governor, is expected to coordinate the campaign structure in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory. This move aims to leverage Wike's political network in these territories while avoiding a formal change in his party affiliation, as he remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The arrangement comes amid disagreements between Wike and some APC governors over mobilizing support for Tinubu. Wike has maintained that he doesn't need to join the APC to support Tinubu's re-election bid. He has also rejected the idea that his political relevance is tied to a top position in the APC Presidential Campaign Council. In August, Wike clarified his position after the APC unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council, appointing former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General.
Wike emphasized that his focus is on delivering Rivers State and the FCT, rather than pursuing a top position in the campaign. He stated that being Director-General is not essential if he can secure victories in his strongholds. This approach allows Wike to concentrate on areas where he has significant influence, ensuring a strong showing for Tinubu in these regions. Wike's role is crucial due to his eight-year tenure as Rivers State governor and his current position as FCT minister since 2023.
Wike has described himself as the "General Commander of the Political Infantry," highlighting his continued influence beyond being a governor. He has promised to work for Tinubu's victory in the presidential election. However, Wike has drawn a distinction between supporting Tinubu and supporting individual candidates in other elective positions. He clarified that his focus remains the presidential election, while politicians seeking victories in governorship and legislative elections should handle their own battles.
Wike promotes the Rainbow Coalition, a group of politicians and interests from various parties supporting Tinubu's re-election. This initiative has created tension with some APC governors, who question the need for a separate structure outside the party. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma announced that APC governors had rejected the Rainbow Coalition, leading to criticism from Wike, who accused some politicians of seeking visibility rather than genuine support for Tinubu.
Under the proposed arrangement, Wike will focus on Rivers State and the FCT, while other senior campaign members handle their areas of responsibility. Yari is expected to remain Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council. The structure won't operate through a single chain of command, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau not reporting directly to Yari. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo is being considered for a major spokesperson position, leveraging his experience in presidential campaign communication.
Keyamo's potential role is significant, given his experience as a spokesperson and Director of Public Affairs during Tinubu's 2023 presidential campaign. He also played a senior communications role in former President Muhammadu Buhari's 2019 re-election campaign. With Keyamo and Wike on board, Tinubu's campaign is expected to benefit from their combined expertise and influence in key regions. The 2027 presidential election is shaping up to be a critical contest, with various stakeholders vying for position.
Key points
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to appoint Nyesom Wike as APC campaign coordinator for Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.
- Wike's role aims to leverage his political network in these territories without requiring a formal change in his party affiliation.
- The arrangement has created tension with some APC governors, who question the need for a separate structure outside the party.
