Abuja, Nigeria – Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a potent challenge to governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the path to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 must commence with their effective governance at the state level.
Wike’s remarks, delivered on Friday during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, drew a distinct line, indicating who would rightfully share in the eventual triumph of President Tinubu.
Lagos singled out as a critical test
In a pointed move, the former Rivers State governor specifically highlighted Lagos State as a crucial benchmark. He disclosed that he had already communicated this pivotal message directly to the Chief of Staff to the President.
This statement carries significant weight, as Lagos is widely recognized not only as a formidable stronghold for the APC but also as a vital political base for President Tinubu himself, who previously governed the state for eight years before ascending to the nation’s highest office.
Wike’s Personal Commitments and Political Dynamics
Beyond his admonition to other governors, Minister Wike also articulated his own commitment, pledging both Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory firmly into President Tinubu’s political column for the upcoming elections.
His pledge concerning Rivers State is particularly noteworthy, considering its complex political history and the intricate dynamics that have unfolded since Wike, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aligned himself with the current federal administration.
Underlying Tensions Revealed
Reports had previously indicated underlying tensions between Minister Wike and some APC governors in the lead-up to the 2027 election cycle. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, had reportedly alleged that the grievances from these APC governors began following his appointment as the Minister of the FCT.
Furthermore, the minister also reportedly linked these same APC governors to the ongoing political crisis between himself and the incumbent Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, suggesting a broader political interplay at work.
Wike’s latest pronouncements underscore the intense political calculations already underway for the 2027 presidential contest, signaling a clear message that internal party cohesion and demonstrable state-level performance will be paramount for the ruling party’s success.