In a bold political statement, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will not automatically grant anyone a ticket for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Wike's Warning to New Defectors
The former Rivers State Governor issued this caution directly aimed at his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other recent defectors to the APC. Wike made his remarks during a political gathering in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, as part of his ongoing state-wide consultations.
The event was attended by Emohua Local Government Chairman Chidi Lloyd, traditional ruler Sergeant Awuse, and numerous party leaders. Wike used the platform to reiterate his longstanding stance on political loyalty and the sanctity of agreements.
"Tinubu Support is Not Enough"
Addressing a crowd of supporters, Minister Wike dismissed the notion that openly supporting President Bola Tinubu is a unique political asset. "The issue is not whether you are supporting Tinubu," Wike stated. "That one, we have taken care of long time ago so Tinubu issue is not an issue again. Nobody should come and tell me I am for Tinubu, on your mandate we shall stand. Who is not for Tinubu in Rivers state? That cannot give you any ticket oo!"
His comments serve as a clear message that mere affiliation or vocal loyalty to the President and the ruling party is insufficient to secure a candidacy in the next election cycle.
Context of Fubara's Defection
This warning comes in the wake of Governor Fubara's recent defection to the APC, which occurred several weeks after a public clash and subsequent reconciliation between the governor and his predecessor, Wike. The political landscape in Rivers State remains highly charged as alignments shift ahead of the 2027 polls.
Wike's statement underscores the complex and often transactional nature of Nigerian politics, where party membership alone does not dictate electoral fortune. It highlights the internal mechanisms and negotiations within parties that ultimately determine who gets a ticket to run.
Implications for 2027 Political Calculations
The minister's declaration sets the stage for intense political maneuvering in Rivers State and at the national level. It signals that:
- Automatic tickets for defectors are not assured.
- Loyalty to President Tinubu is considered a common baseline, not a distinguishing advantage.
- Internal party processes and existing structures will play a critical role in candidate selection.
As the countdown to the 2027 elections begins, this warning from a key political figure like Nyesom Wike is likely to influence the strategies of aspiring candidates and reshape alliances within the ruling party and beyond.
