Nigeria’s political scene has never been void of drama, but Nyesom Wike’s latest move has taken the intrigue to a whole new level. In a bold declaration that has rattled opposition leaders, Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, publicly threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Wike described himself as an indispensable figure in ensuring Tinubu’s return to Aso Rock. “I am an asset. Whether you like me or not, I am crucial to Tinubu’s success in 2027,” he declared with typical bravado. Despite accusations of betrayal, Wike insisted he remains a loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “I am still in the PDP. I worked hard for the party. Who can tell me I am not a member?” he challenged.
Wike didn’t stop there. He slammed the PDP’s leadership for its decision to back former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 election, calling it a breach of the party’s promise to support a southern candidate. “It was a matter of equity and fairness. That’s why I didn’t support Atiku,” he said, adding more fire to an already blazing political controversy.
In other news, iNaijanow recently shared a post on E-money’s release from EFCC’s custody after investigation.
Meanwhile, PDP leaders wasted no time in firing back. Timothy Osadolor, the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, dismissed Wike’s remarks as self-serving noise. “He no longer commands the influence he once had. Nigerians are determined to vote out the current government in 2027,” Osadolor insisted, assuring party members that disciplinary action against Wike was inevitable.
Chief Bode George, a PDP Board of Trustees member, didn’t mince words either. He ruled out any possibility of the PDP supporting Tinubu’s re-election. “Tinubu is not a PDP member, so we will not rally around him,” George stated firmly. He also expressed dismay at the wave of defections from the PDP to the ruling APC, describing the defectors as opportunists driven by personal gain. “Many elected officials who campaigned on PDP platforms have defected; it’s disheartening. What are they seeking in the APC? The people are angry and hungry,” he said.
Other opposition groups have also weighed in. Mark Adebayo, Publicity Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), called Wike Tinubu’s “hatchet man,” accusing him of working to destabilize the opposition. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) was quick to dismiss Wike’s move, maintaining that Tinubu would face stiff opposition in 2027 regardless of who backs him. “Tinubu will be defeated. No single endorsement will change that,” an NNPP official said.
Unfazed by the backlash, Wike doubled down on his criticism of the PDP leadership. He pointed to mass defections in states like Delta and Akwa Ibom as proof of the party’s failing leadership. “It’s a leadership problem. They knew these states would defect, yet they did nothing,” Wike said, piling the blame squarely on the shoulders of the party’s hierarchy.
As the 2027 election season looms closer, Wike’s dramatic endorsement of Tinubu has reignited old feuds and intensified political fault lines. Both the ruling APC and the embattled PDP are now bracing for what promises to be a fierce and unpredictable contest.
If you enjoyed this article, click here to read more informative posts, also check us out on Instagram for fun and engaging content.
Disclaimer: The opinions, views, and information expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of iNaijanow. The company assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or damages arising from the use of this information.
