Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his top political priority as securing President Bola Tinubu's re-election in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking to journalists in Abuja after inspecting ongoing road projects, Mr. Wike emphasized his commitment to supporting the President. As a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) serving in the APC-led federal government, Mr. Wike dismissed allegations that the cross-party Rainbow Coalition, of which he is a member, was established to destabilize existing political parties.
The All Progressives Congress governors, under the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), had opposed the creation of the Rainbow Coalition, describing it as a political arrangement that could undermine the party and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. The Forum, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, alleged that Mr. Wike was using the coalition to support politicians who lost the party's primaries and are now contesting elections on the PDP platform. However, Mr. Wike accused the governors of opposing the coalition because they fear losing their elections and criticized their performance in their respective states.
Mr. Wike described the allegations against the Rainbow Coalition as "baseless," insisting that the coalition was designed to bring together individuals from different political platforms who support Tinubu's administration. He emphasized that his immediate political concern is the 2027 presidential election and the continuation of Tinubu's administration beyond 2027. "My primary concern is whether Tinubu will be re-elected for a second term, and I have made it known from the outset that I am going to support Mr. President with all my might and strength," he said.
The Minister also expressed disappointment at claims that the Rainbow Coalition would destabilize political parties. "I am not bothered about what accusations people make, but it is very disappointing to hear some people say the rainbow coalition will destabilize the party," Mr. Wike said. According to him, the coalition does not seek to prevent anyone from supporting other political interests but encourages its members and like-minded Nigerians to support Tinubu.
Mr. Wike recalled the role played by the G-5 governors during the 2023 general elections, questioning why similar concerns were not raised at the time about possible disruption of the political structure. "Looking back at 2023, when it was the G-5, why did nobody complain that it would destabilize the party? Did the president not win? Did it affect the APC-controlled National Assembly?" he asked. He acknowledged that the G-5 may have provided some political advantage but said that was not sufficient reason for the current concerns surrounding the Rainbow Coalition.
The Minister further disclosed that he would appear on TVC later to provide further explanations about the issues surrounding the Rainbow Coalition. He said the television appearance would enable Nigerians to understand what he described as the reasons behind the concerns being expressed about the political initiative. Mr. Wike also dismissed speculation that his current political realignment was aimed at positioning himself for the presidency in 2031.
On the FCT projects, the minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, saying the projects were expected to be delivered before the January 2027 general elections. He inspected the ongoing construction of the Inner Southern Expressway and other road projects, commending the contractors for maintaining high standards and assuring that Tinubu's administration would fulfil its promises.
Key points
- Wike reiterates his commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
- The Minister defends the Rainbow Coalition, describing allegations against it as "baseless."
- Wike dismisses speculation about his potential presidential bid in 2031.
