FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has publicly declared his backing for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, asserting that the incumbent will secure another term in office. Speaking at a special media chat in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Saturday, August 1, Wike made his position unmistakably clear: "We know that Tinubu will win; I will support Tinubu in 2027."
The declaration adds Wike's voice to a growing list of political figures aligning with Tinubu even as formal campaigns have yet to begin. It also highlights a broader realignment across party lines as Nigerians prepare for what is expected to be a fiercely contested presidential race.
Wike's Political Clout and History of Cross-Party Support
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, remains one of Nigeria's most formidable political figures. His influence is particularly strong in the South-South geopolitical zone, where his extensive network of loyalists and political associates gives him considerable bargaining power. This latest endorsement, therefore, is more than a personal statement; it signals a strategic alignment that could shape the dynamics of the 2027 contest.
The minister's backing of Tinubu is not without precedent. Despite being a leading member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, Wike actively supported Tinubu's campaign in the last presidential election. His willingness to cross party lines has positioned him as a pivotal, if controversial, figure in Nigerian politics. With the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) preparing to defend its mandate, Wike's support adds weight to Tinubu's bid to retain the presidency.
PDP's Internal Crisis and Wike's Prescription
At the briefing, Wike explained why he believes the PDP cannot realistically win the presidency in 2027. He argued that the party is engulfed in multiple internal crises that require a complete reset. According to the minister, major politicians across the country already recognise that Tinubu will emerge victorious, and the PDP would need to rebuild "from scratch" to become competitive again.
Instead of aiming for the presidency, Wike advised that the PDP should channel its energy toward winning governorship elections, as well as National and State Assembly seats. This pragmatic approach, he suggested, would allow the party to rebuild its strength from the ground up before challenging for the nation's highest office. Such remarks from one of the PDP's most prominent figures underscore the deep divisions within the opposition party and could influence voter perceptions as the 2027 election cycle proceeds.
INEC Releases Final List of 2027 Candidates
The endorsement came on the same day the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections. The list, which includes the profiles of candidates from various political parties, features the PDP's flagbearers and their running mates. According to information from INEC, the list was displayed at its offices nationwide, although the commission has yet to upload the credentials on its official website.
Earlier, political parties had uploaded the names of their candidates, covering presidential, vice presidential, governorship, and deputy governorship slots, as well as those for the National and State Houses of Assembly. The release of the final list is a crucial step in the electoral process, setting the stage for formal campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections. It also offers a comprehensive look at the contenders who will battle for mandates at every level of government.
Wike Addresses Feud with Governor Fubara
During the same media chat in Port Harcourt, Wike also addressed his ongoing political fallout with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The minister claimed that Fubara began heeding advice from people who wanted him to fail, and who, in turn, urged the governor to pick a fight with Wike.
Wike dismissed rumours suggesting that he had demanded money from Fubara, describing such claims as baseless given his current position and political standing. These remarks add another layer of complexity to the already tense political situation in Rivers State, where the rift between the two leaders has drawn significant national attention. As the 2027 election approaches, the resolution of this feud could have major implications for political alignments in the region.
