Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has identified Rivers State and Abuja as his two major political assignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election, pledging to secure massive votes for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
Wike made the declaration on Wednesday while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council during its inauguration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The former Rivers State governor, who was appointed to coordinate Tinubu’s campaign in Rivers and the FCT, expressed confidence that both areas would deliver substantial votes for the President.
“I pledged, by the grace of God, Rivers and FCT will vote massively for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That is my joy. I have only two assignments, Rivers and FCT,” he said.
Wike also warned APC leaders against taking credit for Tinubu’s possible victory in 2027 if they failed to deliver their respective states to the President.
He argued that campaign council appointments and political positions should not be used as excuses for poor electoral performance, insisting that leaders must demonstrate their value through votes delivered.
“If you don’t deliver your state and the President wins, don’t say we have won. So it is not a question of I am chairman of this, I’m secretary of this, I’m a member of this,” he said.
The FCT minister specifically cited Lagos State as an example, warning that President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, should not celebrate the President’s victory if the APC failed to win the state.
Wike further defended Tinubu’s leadership, arguing that the President had shown the willingness to tackle longstanding national challenges that previous administrations had failed to address.
He cited the proposed establishment of state police as an example, expressing optimism that the initiative would receive approval in the coming months.
The minister also maintained that opposition politicians should acknowledge policies they consider beneficial, regardless of the political party responsible for introducing them.
Wike, who remains a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure, has repeatedly expressed support for Tinubu’s re-election, despite belonging to an opposition party.
The 2027 presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027.
