Wike Stakes Ministerial Job on Tinubu’s 2027 Wins in FCT, Rivers

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Wednesday staked his continued stay in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet on the outcome of the 2027 presidential election in two key territories, declaring that he would resign if the President fails to secure victory in both the FCT and Rivers State.

Addressing leaders and members of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association in Abuja, Wike linked his political legitimacy and performance in office directly to his ability to deliver electoral support for Tinubu in the areas he regards as his primary spheres of influence.

He described the FCT as the place where he works and Rivers State as his home base, insisting that failure to deliver either would render him unfit to remain minister.

“If I cannot deliver where I work, then I’m not worthy to be here,” Wike said. “If I lose FCT, I’m not supposed to be FCT Minister. By January 17, 2027, I will announce my resignation as FCT Minister should the President lose in Rivers State and the FCT.”

The presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027. Wike emphasised that he is a practical person who believes political office must be backed by measurable results. He argued that losing the FCT would make any achievements recorded in the territory meaningless and that an inability to deliver Rivers State would similarly undermine his credibility.

The declaration came during a meeting that also focused on the long-planned relocation of Apo mechanics and traders to a permanent site in the Wasa informal sector. Wike took personal charge of the process, ordering a fresh physical enumeration of genuine operators within one week and directing that the exercise be coordinated through his office to eliminate delays, disagreements and infiltration by non-traders or land speculators. He assured the association of serviced infrastructure and pledged to sign title documents for verified beneficiaries before the end of the year.

ADVERTISEMENT

On the political front, Wike outlined a multi-party “Rainbow” or unified coalition strategy across the FCT aimed at securing victories for Tinubu and allied candidates in the 2027 general elections. He declared clear support for Tinubu’s re-election bid for the presidency and endorsed former FCT Senator Philip Aduda for the Senate seat, describing him as “a man of the people, unlike those who only appear on television.” He also confirmed backing for two House of Representatives candidates who are former area council chairmen.

“In the FCT, we are running a unified coalition across parties to deliver results,” Wike stated. “If I cannot deliver FCT as Minister, then I am not qualified to hold this office. We have a firm agreement, and today is the final affirmation.”
The remarks, confirmed in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, underscore Wike’s determination to mobilise support for Tinubu beyond traditional party structures. As a former Rivers State governor and a prominent figure who joined Tinubu’s administration from the Peoples Democratic Party, Wike has positioned himself as a key player in building cross-party alliances ahead of the polls.

The pledge places personal political accountability at the centre of Wike’s tenure and signals an intensified push to consolidate influence in both the capital territory and his home state in the months leading to the 2027 elections.