Wike's Political Chess: Forges Cross-Party Alliance for Tinubu's Re-election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled a revised Presidential Campaign Council list for the upcoming 2027 presidential election, notably including prominent politicians from opposition parties. This strategic move aims to bolster President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid by creating a broad, cross-party coalition. The revised list is set to be inaugurated by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Among the most significant appointments are Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, all of whom belong to different political platforms. Minister Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will coordinate the APC's campaign efforts in Rivers State and the FCT. Governor Adeleke, of the Accord Party, is tasked with overseeing the campaign in Osun State, while Governor Soludo, from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), will coordinate activities in Anambra.

Minister Wike has publicly defended these unconventional appointments, explaining that President Tinubu, in his wisdom, recognized that some politicians outside the ruling party possess valuable contributions for his re-election. Wike emphasized that the campaign for the President's re-election should not be limited to APC members alone, but rather serve as a platform under the APC's umbrella for anyone willing to support Tinubu's political ambition. He dismissed concerns about potential divisions within the APC, asserting that the primary focus is on securing the President's re-election, and that people from diverse political backgrounds can contribute to this goal. Wike maintained that the campaign is fundamentally about supporting Mr. President and acknowledging his achievements, arguing against blind partisanship that dismisses progress for political opposition.

Governor Adeleke, who previously declared his support for Tinubu's second-term bid, based his endorsement on the need to ensure the completion of federal projects in the South-West, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway. Despite his support, Adeleke clarified in an interview that he had no formal agreement with the President, stating his support was simply based on Tinubu being a Yoruba man from the South-West. Wike echoed this sentiment, highlighting that political figures can back a presidential candidate while still maintaining their party identities and contesting sub-national seats under their respective parties, thus demonstrating leadership capacity and political strength within their communities.

The comprehensive revised campaign council structure features President Tinubu as its head, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda serving as vice-chairmen. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq are listed as deputy vice-chairmen. Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari will assume the role of director-general, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma will serve as the council’s secretary. Additionally, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola has been named deputy national coordinator I for stakeholders’ mobilisation in the South-West. Former Osun governors Adebisi Akande and Iyiola Omisore are also included among the advisers, rounding out the robust structure of the APC's preparations for the 2027 general election.