WIKE REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION IN 2027, DISMISSES CLAIMS OF POLITICAL PLOT

ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, insisting that securing a second term for the president remains his primary political priority.

Wike made this known on Monday in Abuja while speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing road construction projects across the FCT.

The minister also dismissed allegations that the cross-party Rainbow Coalition, which he is associated with, was established to destabilise existing political parties. He described the claims as baseless, explaining that the coalition was formed to unite individuals from different political platforms in support of Tinubu’s administration.

“My primary concern is whether Tinubu will be re-elected for a second term, and I have made it known from the onset that I am going to support Mr President with all my might and strength,” Wike said.

He expressed disappointment over suggestions that the coalition was intended to weaken political parties, maintaining that its objective was to mobilise support for Tinubu rather than undermine any political organization.

According to him, the coalition has not asked anyone to abandon their political affiliations or prevent others from supporting their preferred candidates. Instead, it is encouraging members of his political camp and like-minded Nigerians outside the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support the president’s re-election bid.

“We have not gone to anyone to say they should not support anyone; rather, we asked all our party members and like-minded people who are not APC members to ensure they support Mr President,” he stated.

Wike also drew comparisons with the G5 governors’ political stance during the 2023 general elections, questioning why similar concerns were not raised at the time about the potential destabilisation of political parties.

“Looking back at 2023, when it was the G5, why did nobody complain that it would destabilise the party? Did the President not win? Did it affect the APC-controlled National Assembly?” he asked.

While acknowledging that the G5 governors may have provided some political advantage during the elections, Wike argued that the current criticism of the Rainbow Coalition was driven by other considerations.

“You can argue that it gave them an advantage, but that is not the real cause of the outcry today. There are undertones to this,” he said.

The FCT minister disclosed that he would appear on TVC later on Monday to offer further explanations about the coalition and address the concerns surrounding its activities. He said the interview would provide Nigerians with a clearer understanding of the issues behind the controversy.

Wike also dismissed speculation that his current political alignment was part of a strategy to position himself for the presidency in 2031.

He argued that the future remained uncertain and that political ambitions ultimately depended on the will of God.

“People are taking the position of God. First of all, you have to pray to be alive—asking God to keep you alive until tomorrow or the next day. Only when God keeps you alive will you know what to do,” he said.

Recalling his participation in the 2022 presidential primaries, Wike noted that he finished second, adding that his political experience had given him a deeper understanding of the complexities of Nigerian politics.

He further stated that he would not seek to oppose Tinubu’s preferred successor when the president eventually leaves office.

“By 2031, Mr President will not run and he will have interest in who will succeed him, and I will not be at loggerhead with his interest,” Wike said, reiterating that the future ultimately rests in God’s hands.

Wike Inspects Ongoing FCT Road Projects

On infrastructure development, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing road construction projects across the FCT, expressing confidence that they would be completed before the January 2027 general elections, as stated during the inspection.

The projects inspected included the construction of the Inner Southern Expressway, covering the stretch from Ring Road I to Ring Road II; the service lanes of the Southern Parkway, extending from Arterial Road S20 in Gaduwa District to Ring Road II; and the road linking Nile University to Ring Road III.

The minister commended the contractors for maintaining what he described as high standards and assured residents that the Tinubu administration remained committed to fulfilling its promises to Nigerians.

Report by Felix Akinjagunla, Director, PreciousFrameTV.