Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to prove their political strength by ensuring President Bola Tinubu wins their respective states in the 2027 presidential election.
Wike issued the challenge during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he was appointed to coordinate Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Rivers State and the FCT.
The former Rivers State governor warned that political leaders should not take credit for the President’s victory if they fail to secure electoral support in their respective states.
According to him, campaign appointments and political titles mean little if those entrusted with responsibilities cannot deliver the expected results at the polls.
“If you don’t deliver your state and the president wins, don’t say we have won. It is not a question of ‘I am chairman of this’, ‘I am secretary of this’, ‘I am a member of this’. What is important is for the president to win,” Wike said.
He also cited Lagos State as an example, recalling that he had told the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, that securing victory in the state was essential to the overall campaign effort.
Wike expressed confidence that Rivers State and the FCT would record substantial support for Tinubu in the forthcoming election, pledging to work towards achieving that objective.
“Rivers and FCT will vote massively for Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he declared.
The FCT minister further defended Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the President had demonstrated a willingness to confront challenges that previous governments had struggled to address.
He specifically highlighted the proposed establishment of state police, describing it as an important step towards tackling insecurity across the country.
Wike also maintained that constructive opposition was an important component of democracy, arguing that political parties should acknowledge policies they consider beneficial rather than criticise the government simply because they are not in power.
His remarks come amid disagreements between him and some APC governors over his political activities and the Rainbow Coalition, an arrangement aimed at mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election while allowing politicians to retain their affiliations and pursue other electoral interests.
Although Wike remains associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he has openly backed Tinubu’s second-term ambition, a position that has generated debate within opposition politics and the ruling party.
The latest challenge places renewed attention on the responsibilities of campaign coordinators and state political leaders as preparations intensify for the 2027 presidential election.
