2027: Wike reaffirms Tinubu’s support, says Rainbow Coalition not APC structure
Wike Affirms Support for Tinubu’s 2027 Reelection Amid Coalition Disputes
ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, reiterated his commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection campaign for 2027 during a site visit to several ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja on Monday.
Wike emphasized that the Rainbow Coalition is intended to mobilize support for Tinubu and is not designed to undermine the All Progressives Congress (APC). He expressed that his primary political goal is to ensure the President secures a second term, a stance he stated he has held firmly since the coalition’s inception.
“My concern is that the President will be re-elected for the second term,” Wike said. “That is my concern. And I made that known from the onset that I was going to support Mr. President with all my might and strength.”
The minister’s remarks come as tensions rise between supporters of the Rainbow Coalition and APC governors regarding the coalition’s role and impact on the party’s objectives for the upcoming elections. While Wike maintains that the coalition serves as a unifying platform for like-minded individuals supportive of Tinubu, the APC Progressive Governors Forum has expressed their opposition to any arrangement perceived as damaging to the party.
Wike defended the coalition’s purpose, citing its aim to unite APC members and other political figures who are in favor of Tinubu’s re-election. He dismissed speculation regarding his potential candidacy for the 2031 presidential election, indicating that such aspirations would be determined by future circumstances.
“People take the position of God. First of all, you have to pray that you are alive,” Wike said. “When God keeps you alive, then you know what to do.”
Reflecting on his experience in the 2022 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary, where he finished second, Wike asserted he has gained valuable insights into Nigeria’s political landscape. He was quick to shift the focus back to the current political environment, questioning how he could be positioning himself within a party that he did not belong to.
He indicated that any decisions regarding Tinubu’s successor in 2031 would also depend on the President’s preferences.
Wike announced plans to discuss the underlying reasons for the opposition to the Rainbow Coalition in a forthcoming television appearance, promising to provide clarity on the matter.
In addition to his political commitments, Wike inspected the progress of key infrastructure projects in Abuja. He expressed satisfaction with the contractors’ renewed commitments to completing these projects before the 2027 general elections, particularly highlighting their assurances regarding the High Court project and the second bridge in the Gaduwa area.
“I came back yesterday and, as usual, I have to go round to check the ongoing projects which were promised to residents of Abuja,” he stated.
Wike reported positive developments in the Nile University–Ring Road 3 project, reassuring that it remains on track for completion by the first week of January. He expressed confidence in the contractors’ abilities to meet their deadlines, noting that previous concerns he had about progress had now eased.
“I trust them,” he concluded.
