Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has revealed plans to inaugurate and personally lead campaign structures for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid in the FCT and Rivers State. This announcement was made on Friday in Chikuku, Abuja, after inspecting the ongoing Phase Two of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road dualisation project. Wike stated that supporters of the President from different political platforms had already begun preparations for the 2027 campaign.
According to Wike, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was also putting its machinery together for the re-election bid. He mentioned that for those supporting President Tinubu from different political platforms, their machinery was ready to fully kickstart. Wike emphasized that he would inaugurate the campaign team for Tinubu in the FCT and Rivers State, which he would lead. This move is expected to boost the President's re-election efforts in these critical regions.
Wike's declaration comes after earlier reports that he could have a defined role coordinating Tinubu's campaign efforts in the FCT and Rivers. However, the minister had previously stated that he was not interested in serving as Director-General of the presidential campaign council. Wike maintained that his priority was to deliver the FCT and Rivers for Tinubu. His support for Tinubu's 2027 re-election is separate from the PDP's participation in other elections.
The minister highlighted that visible development would be central to his campaign for the President. He dismissed suggestions of electoral malpractice, stating that the projects being executed across the territory represented the evidence his team would take to voters. Wike expressed confidence that the administration's infrastructure programme would generate support for Tinubu and other candidates he supports in the FCT.
On the Kuje-Gwagwalada road project, Wike commended the contractor and engineers for the progress recorded. He assured that funding would be made available to ensure completion by December. The minister emphasized that the delivery of functional infrastructure remained central to the purpose of governance. He noted that the reaction of residents to projects was an indication of their importance.
Wike also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting capital projects in the FCT. He stated that the essence of governance was to make people happy, and when the people are happy, those in authority are happy. The minister's support for Tinubu's re-election bid is expected to have a significant impact in the FCT and Rivers State.
The minister has previously maintained that the PDP remains free to field candidates for governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly contests. Wike's announcement to lead Tinubu's campaign in the FCT and Rivers State has set the stage for a vigorous re-election effort. The success of Tinubu's re-election bid in these regions is expected to be influenced by Wike's efforts.
Key points
- Wike to lead Tinubu's 2027 re-election campaign in FCT and Rivers State.
- The minister emphasizes that visible development will be central to his campaign for the President.
- Wike assures that funding will be made available to complete the Kuje-Gwagwalada road project by December.
