Tinubu’s Re-Election Is My Priority — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said securing the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election remains his major political priority.

Wike made the statement on Monday in Abuja while speaking to journalists after inspecting ongoing road projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister also defended the cross-party Rainbow Coalition, which he has been associated with, against allegations that the platform was created to destabilise existing political parties.

Wike described the allegations as baseless and said the coalition was formed to bring together politicians and other Nigerians from different political platforms who support Tinubu's administration.

“My primary concern is whether Tinubu will be re-elected for a second term, and I have made it known from the onset that I am going to support Mr President with all my might and strength,” he said.

Wike said the coalition was not intended to prevent its members from pursuing other political interests.

“We have not gone to anyone to say they should not support anyone; rather, we asked all our party members and like-minded people who are not APC members to ensure they support Mr President,” he said.

The minister questioned concerns that the coalition could weaken political parties, recalling the role of the G5 governors during the 2023 elections.

He asked why similar concerns were not raised about the G5 at the time and argued that the current coalition should not automatically be regarded as a threat to existing political structures.

Wike has previously maintained that the Rainbow Coalition is focused specifically on mobilising support for Tinubu's re-election, while political parties and their members remain free to pursue candidates in governorship and legislative contests.

His comments come amid growing disagreement between him and some APC governors over the coalition. The Progressive Governors Forum, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, has said APC governors will not support alliances capable of weakening the party or its candidates. Wike, however, has continued to defend the coalition and its cross-party approach to the presidential election.

Wike also rejected speculation that his current political realignment was designed to position him for the presidency in 2031.

He said political ambitions ultimately depend on circumstances and what God permits, noting that staying alive was itself a prerequisite for determining future political plans.

Wike also said he had previously contested the PDP presidential primary in 2022, where he finished second, and suggested that his political experience had given him an understanding of the complexities of Nigerian politics.

During the inspection, Wike also expressed satisfaction with the progress of several FCT road projects and said the administration expected to deliver major projects before the 2027 elections.