The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, has expressed his opinion that Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, lacks the capacity to govern Nigeria. Speaking at a stakeholders' town hall meeting in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike stated that Obi could only win an election on social media. He emphasized that if the contest were for a social media president, he would vote for Obi.
Wike, who is leading the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign in the FCT and Rivers State, described Obi as a stingy politician who cannot be entrusted with the nation's economy. He also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would be re-elected in the January 16, 2027 election, dismissing the chances of the opposition. Wike's comments reflect his consistent criticism of Obi and other opposition candidates.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has launched the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign in Kaduna State, marking the beginning of the ruling party's mobilisation for the 2027 general elections. The campaign rally, held at the Kaduna Township Stadium, attracted prominent figures, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC governors. The event signifies the APC's drive to secure a second presidential term for President Tinubu.
The APC faces a significant challenge in Kaduna, where the Peoples Democratic Party's presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, defeated President Tinubu in the 2023 election. The rally provides the ruling party an opportunity to strengthen its grassroots structures and regain electoral support in the state. Vice-President Shettima appealed to Northern voters, highlighting President Tinubu's political relationships with prominent Northern leaders.
The Renewed Hope 2.0 agenda is expected to feature prominently in the campaign, providing a platform for President Tinubu to explain his administration's economic policies and outline plans for another term. However, the President's record on economic reforms, rising living costs, and insecurity is expected to attract considerable scrutiny during the electioneering period.
In a related development, the Labour Party standard-bearer for Ikwerre State Constituency in Rivers State, Hon. Stasi Amadi, has welcomed the ongoing political reconciliation in Ikwerre Local Government Area. Amadi described the reconciliation as a welcome development capable of promoting unity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among political stakeholders.
Amadi emphasized that genuine reconciliation remained necessary for strengthening relationships among political leaders and creating an atmosphere conducive for democratic participation. She also called on security agencies to deploy adequate tactical intelligence before, during, and after the 2027 general elections to prevent security breaches and ensure that the electoral process was peaceful and credible.
Key points
- Wike criticizes Obi's presidential chances, saying he can only win on social media
- President Tinubu launches APC presidential campaign in Kaduna State
- Labour Party standard-bearer welcomes political reconciliation in Ikwerre Local Government Area
