Wike Warns Tinubu Campaign Coordinators Against Claiming Victory Without Delivering Their States
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a stern warning to President Tinubu's 2027 re-election campaign coordinators, demanding accountability for delivering their respective states. Wike, despite being a PDP leader, pledged massive votes from Rivers and FCT for Tinubu and defended his cross-party support by citing the President's achievements, including the proposed state police.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has warned members of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign council against claiming victory if they fail to secure support for the President in their assigned states. Speaking at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said campaign positions and titles must translate into votes. He was appointed coordinator for Rivers State and the FCT, and argued that officials should be held accountable for their individual electoral assignments even if Tinubu wins nationally.
Referring to Lagos State, he said: “If you don’t deliver your state and the President wins, don’t say we have won.” Wike pledged to mobilise support for Tinubu in Rivers and the FCT, saying: “Rivers and FCT will vote massively for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That is my job.” He also challenged FCT area council officials to acknowledge the impact of the President’s projects and interventions, arguing that campaign coordinators should demonstrate the administration’s record to voters.
Despite his membership of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike described himself as the party’s leader and defended his support for Tinubu, saying opposition politics should not mean denying policies or actions considered beneficial. He also praised Tinubu’s willingness to pursue the establishment of state police, expressing hope that the proposal would receive legislative approval in the coming months.
Wike further defended the inclusion of politicians from outside the APC in the campaign council, saying people should be allowed to contribute regardless of party affiliation. The inauguration followed the release of a revised campaign council list that included other politicians who remain affiliated with different parties, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Their inclusion reflects the campaign’s cross-party composition, although it does not in itself establish that they have changed their party affiliations. Nigeria’s presidential election is scheduled for 16 January 2027, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s published calendar, and Wike’s remarks place emphasis on the campaign’s expectation that coordinators will demonstrate measurable support in their respective areas.