The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, clarifying that his backing does not extend to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in other elections.
Wike said he never promised that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would refrain from fielding candidates for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections in 2027.
In a statement on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said the so-called rainbow coalition was independent of the APC and was instead aimed at mobilising support for Tinubu across political parties.
The minister said his position was clear, stressing, “My support is for the president only.”
Wike also dismissed claims that supporting Tinubu’s re-election required him to support APC candidates in other contests, arguing that political competition at the state and legislative levels would remain separate from the presidential election.
He said, “I never promised anyone that PDP will not field candidates to contest governorship, National Assembly and States House of Assembly elections.”
According to him, the rainbow coalition emerged as a platform for politicians and parties that believe Tinubu deserves another term based on his performance in office.
“Most importantly, rainbow coalition has nothing to do with the APC. Rather, it is own way of mobilising support accross political parties for Mr President, who has done well to deserve a second term,” he said.
Wike further maintained that political considerations should be handled at the local level, urging politicians facing opposition in their respective states to resolve their internal issues rather than linking them to Tinubu’s re-election.
The minister said, “politics is local and those having problems in their States should resolve them instead of using the reelection of the President to whip up sentiments.”
He also challenged claims that voters could become confused by supporting Tinubu for president while voting for candidates of other parties in state and legislative elections.
Citing the 2023 elections in Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi States, Wike recalled instances where voters backed APC candidates in National Assembly contests despite voting for other parties in the presidential election.
He therefore urged political stakeholders to prioritise Tinubu’s re-election before turning their attention to other contests.
“After the President must have been reelected, we can all go and face elections in our States,” Wike said.
The minister added that political success in 2027 would depend on genuine grassroots mobilisation and winning support from polling units, rather than relying on political arrangements or alliances.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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