Wike says he will lead Tinubu’s 2027 campaign operations in FCT and Rivers

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has announced that he will inaugurate and lead campaign machinery for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid in Abuja and Rivers State. Mr. Wike made the announcement in Abuja after inspecting the Kuje-Gwagwalada road dualisation project.

He said supporters of the president operating through different political platforms had prepared their organisation and would soon begin an aggressive campaign. He said he would lead the campaign in the Federal Capital Territory and extend the effort to his home state, Rivers. Mr.

Wike is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party but serves in the APC-led federal administration. His announcement comes amid disagreement with governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress over a “Rainbow Coalition” that he has promoted as a vehicle for mobilising support for Mr. Tinubu.

The Progressive Governors’ Forum, led by Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma, has opposed the arrangement, arguing that it could weaken the APC and its candidates. The governors have also alleged that Mr. Wike’s coalition could support politicians who lost APC primaries but are contesting on the PDP platform.

Mr. Wike has rejected that claim and said the governors oppose the initiative because they fear losing their elections. He has specifically criticised the governors of Imo, Kwara and Ogun.

Mr. Wike said infrastructure projects in the FCT would help determine electoral support and rejected in advance allegations that votes would be secured through malpractice. He argued that development work would translate into votes and expressed confidence that the president would win across the territory.

He also mentioned support for APC candidate Philip Aduda and for candidates seeking the FCT’s two House of Representatives seats. The minister said adequate funding would be released to complete the Kuje-Gwagwalada project by December. It remains unclear how Mr.

Wike’s proposed campaign structure would fit into the wider organisation, for which Governor Uzodimma is secretary. His plans nevertheless place him at the centre of the president’s early re-election mobilisation in two politically significant areas.