Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he expects to become the first target of political attacks if President Bola Tinubu loses the 2027 presidential election to either former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Wike made the statement during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while speaking about his decision to openly support Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
The FCT minister said his support for the President had made him a prominent target of opposition politicians, but insisted that he was prepared to accept the political consequences of his position.
According to Wike, his priority remains ensuring Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, despite the criticism he has received from political opponents and some former allies.
He maintained that he was fully conscious of the risks associated with backing an incumbent president whose administration is facing a highly competitive opposition landscape ahead of the next general election.
Wike said his political decisions had attracted considerable criticism, but added that such attacks would not persuade him to abandon his support for Tinubu.
The former Rivers State governor has remained one of the prominent political figures outside the ruling All Progressives Congress openly campaigning for Tinubu’s continued presidency.
His position has generated controversy within opposition circles, particularly as political parties and influential figures continue discussions over possible alliances ahead of the 2027 election.
Atiku and Obi are among the major opposition figures expected to play significant roles in the presidential contest, although the configuration of opposition forces and the possibility of a consensus candidate remain subjects of ongoing political negotiations.
Wike’s latest comments underline the high stakes surrounding the 2027 election and his decision to align himself with the Tinubu administration.
He said he would not be deterred by criticism or concerns about the political consequences of his choice, stressing that he remained committed to his position.
The minister’s remarks also reflect the increasingly intense political calculations ahead of the election, with major political actors weighing alliances, competing interests and the possibility of a closely fought presidential contest.
As preparations for 2027 gather momentum, Wike’s continued support for Tinubu is expected to remain a major talking point, particularly given his influential role in Rivers politics and his position within the Federal Government.
