Wike said Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 remained his political priority

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says his political focus is on supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office in the 2027 presidential election.

Wike made the statement on Monday in Abuja while speaking with journalists after inspecting some of the ongoing road construction projects in the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister also rejected claims that the Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party political group he is affiliated with, was formed to weaken or destabilize existing political parties.

Describing the allegations as “baseless”, Wike said the coalition was intended to unite people from different political backgrounds who support the Tinubu government.

He said his main political objective now is to seek the re-election of Tinubu and the continuation of his rule after 2027.

“My main concern is whether Tinubu will be re-elected for a second term, and I have stated from the start that I will support Mr President with all my might and strength,” he said.

Wike said he was not concerned with the various allegations surrounding the coalition but expressed disappointment that some people saw the coalition as a threat to political parties.

“I don’t care about the accusations people make, but it is very disappointing to hear some people say a rainbow coalition will disrupt the stability of the party,” Wike said.

According to the minister, the coalition does not ask anyone to renounce their political affiliations or discourage individuals from supporting other political interests.

Instead, he said, his members and other Nigerians who shared his views were encouraged to support the President.

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“We are not asking anyone to say that they should not support anyone; instead, we are asking all members of our party and like-minded people who are not members of the APC to ensure they support Mr President,” he said.

Wike also compared him to the G5 governors, a group of five Peoples Democratic Party governors who are taking different political positions ahead of the 2023 elections.

He questioned why similar concerns about the destabilization of political parties were not raised during G5 activities.

“Looking back in 2023 when the G5 is still underway, why is no one complaining that it will destabilize the party? Will the President not win? Will this impact the APC-controlled National Assembly?” he asked.

While acknowledging that the G5 may have politically benefited from its position, Wike said that did not explain what he described as the current opposition to the Rainbow Coalition.

“You can argue that this is an advantage for them, but that is not the real cause of the current protests. There is a purpose behind this,” said Wike.

The FCT Minister revealed that he is scheduled to appear at the TVC on Monday to provide further explanation regarding the coalition and the controversy surrounding it.

Wike also addressed speculation that his current political alignment is motivated by ambitions to run for president in 2031.

He said the plans could not be determined in advance, and stressed that the first considerations for participating in future political contests were still there.

“Man takes God’s position. First of all, you have to pray to live—ask God to keep you alive until tomorrow or the day after. Only when God keeps you alive will you know what to do,” he said.

Wike recalled his participation in the presidential primaries in 2022, where he finished second, and said that his experience had given him an understanding of the complexities of Nigerian politics.

He also acknowledged that Tinubu has an interest in determining his chosen successor after completing his term, while stating that the final outcome remains in God’s hands.

“In 2031, Mr President will not be running and he will be interested in who will replace him, and I will not clash with his interests,” Wike said.

Speaking on infrastructure development in the FCT, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work on the projects inspected.

He said the project is expected to be completed before the January 2027 general election.

The Minister reviewed the ongoing construction of the Southern Inner Toll Road connecting Ring Road I with Ring Road II, the Southern Parkway service route from Arterial Road S20 in Gaduwa District to Ring Road II, as well as the road connecting Nile University to Ring Road III.

Wike praised the standard of work of the contractors and assured residents that the Tinubu administration remains committed to delivering on its infrastructure promises.