The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed opposition predictions about the outcome of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the contest will be different from the 2023 poll.
Wike also mocked former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi over a town hall meeting he reportedly held in Cross River State, claiming that the gathering attracted fewer than 200 people.
The minister made the remarks on Tuesday during his monthly media parley in Abuja monitored by The News Chronicle while reacting to Amaechi’s prediction that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar would win the 2027 presidential election.
According to Wike, Amaechi had based his prediction on the regional backgrounds of the major political contenders, arguing that Atiku’s northern origin would give him an advantage over President Bola Tinubu and other southern candidates.
“I watched Amaechi; he had a town hall meeting in Cross River. I can tell you the numbers not up to 200 people,” Wike said.
Recounting Amaechi’s argument, the minister said the former governor had told his audience: “Atiku is from where? North. Tinubu is from where? South. Obi is from where? South. Donald Duke is from where? South. Atiku has won the election.”
Wike questioned the logic behind the prediction, challenging Amaechi to explain how the regional identities of the candidates alone could determine the outcome of the election.
“How can a vice-presidential candidate go to a town hall meeting, standing and telling his supporters, ‘Do you know how this election has been won?’” he asked.
The former Rivers State governor further challenged the opposition to consider the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, when Atiku, Peter Obi and Tinubu contested for the presidency.
“In 2023, Atiku ran, Obi ran, Tinubu ran, who won?” Wike asked.
He added, “I’ve always told you people, 2027 will be totally different from 2023.”
Wike’s remarks came amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition figures seeking to build a coalition capable of challenging Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The minister, who has repeatedly declared his support for Tinubu despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, expressed confidence that the President’s performance and political mobilisation would strengthen his chances at the polls.
He also dismissed suggestions that his political activities in the FCT were aimed at securing only 25 per cent of the votes for Tinubu.
“How do you look at me? Coordinator of FCT, and I am looking for 25 per cent? That must be a joke,” he said.
Wike maintained that his administration’s infrastructure projects, engagement with traditional rulers and efforts to address security concerns across the FCT’s six area councils would help build support for the President.
He expressed confidence that the 2027 election would be determined by more than regional calculations, insisting that the political landscape had changed since the last presidential election.
