Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports that he is positioning himself to succeed President Bola Tinubu in 2031. Speaking after inspecting projects in Abuja, Wike said those speculating about his political future are taking the position of God. He emphasized that it is too early for anyone to determine what would happen in 2031.
Wike questioned the basis for reports linking him to the 2031 presidential race, adding that even if such speculation were eventually to become true, there would be nothing wrong with it. He stated that people should first focus on being alive and that it is God's will that matters. Wike's comments come amid growing controversy over the Rainbow Coalition, an arrangement he has been promoting ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Rainbow Coalition, according to Wike, is primarily aimed at mobilizing support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election and has no connection to the All Progressives Congress. He stated that the coalition is a platform for other political parties that support Tinubu's good works and are backing his re-election. Wike's activities have generated disagreements with some APC governors over the coalition and its implications for the 2027 elections.
Wike named Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun as the three APC governors he said were opposed to his political activities. He mentioned that several other APC governors have no problem with the Rainbow Coalition, including those from Adamawa, Edo, Kogi, Lagos, and Akwa Ibom states.
Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, has maintained that APC governors are committed to protecting the party and supporting its candidates. Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, serving in President Tinubu's administration, clarified that his support for the President does not mean he has agreed that the PDP should abandon its candidates in other elections.
Wike emphasized that his immediate political priority is to support Tinubu's re-election in 2027. He stated that he will mobilize support for the President's re-election but never promised that the PDP would not field candidates to contest other elections. Wike's clarification comes as some have raised concerns about the implications of his support for Tinubu on the PDP's electoral plans.
The controversy surrounding Wike's political activities and the Rainbow Coalition continues to unfold, with various stakeholders weighing in on the implications for the 2027 elections. Wike's stance on his 2031 presidential ambition and the Rainbow Coalition has sparked debate among politicians and analysts, who will likely continue to monitor his actions and statements in the lead-up to the elections.
Key points
- Wike denies 2031 presidential ambition reports
- Rainbow Coalition aims to support Tinubu's re-election
- Wike's activities spark controversy among APC governors
