Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection in 2027, stating that the Rainbow Coalition’s goal is to mobilise support for the President rather than undermine the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Monday after touring the ongoing ISEX 2 project, the Southern Parkway project, and the road connecting Nile University to Ring Road 3 in Lugbe, Abuja, Wike stated that securing Tinubu’s second term was his top political concern ahead of the 2027 election, emphasising that he had made his stance clear from the beginning.
“I’m worried that the president will be elected to a second term. That is what worries me. And I made it clear right away that I will give Mr. President my full support,” he stated.
The minister’s stance coincides with a dispute between APC governors and Rainbow Coalition supporters on the composition and intent of the political program.
The APC Progressive Governors Forum has stated that it will not support any political arrangement that could undermine the party or have an impact on its candidates in the 2027 elections, despite Wike’s insistence that the coalition is a cross-party platform for mobilising support for Tinubu.
Wike, however, questioned the coalition’s critique, claiming that its goal was to unite APC members with like-minded supporters of Tinubu’s reelection from other political parties.
He stated, “We asked all of our party members and like-minded individuals who are not APC members to make sure that they support Mr. President.”
Additionally, he denied rumours that he was preparing for the 2031 presidential race, claiming that such political calculations would depend on future events.
People assume the role of God, you know. You must first pray for your survival. “Keep me alive till tomorrow” or “Keep me alive till the next day” is what you have to pray God. You know what to do when God keeps you alive, according to Wike.
Recalling his involvement in the 2022 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries, where he placed second, the former governor of Rivers State claimed that his experience had given him a solid grasp of Nigeria’s political dynamics.
“So, am I positioning myself… in which of the parties am I positioning myself to?” Wike enquired in response to claims that he was already preparing for 2031.
He stated that the President would be interested in Tinubu’s potential successor in 2031.
Wike said that during a broadcast interview, he will reveal what he called the “undertones” of hostility to the Rainbow Coalition.
“Today, you will hear it. What is the underlying cry regarding the Rainbow Coalition? We’ll reveal the truth so that Nigerians are aware of the subtleties because they don’t comprehend them,” he stated.
The minister’s explanation is in line with his previous assertion that the Rainbow Coalition is primarily concerned with rallying support for Tinubu’s presidential campaign across political parties and has no official link with the APC.
Wike, meanwhile, has expressed pleasure with the speed at which key road projects in Abuja are being completed, claiming that contractors have reaffirmed their commitment to finishing and turning over the projects by the general elections of 2027.
According to him, the inspection was a component of efforts to keep an eye on projects promised to Federal Capital Territory citizens and make sure contractors adhered to agreed-upon delivery deadlines.
He stated, “I returned yesterday and, as usual, I have to go around to check the ongoing projects which were promised to residents of Abuja to be completed before the elections.”
He noted that CGC had reiterated its commitment to delivering the High Court project by December and that he was especially satisfied with the calibre of work on projects examined.
The minister also revealed that following the rains, construction of the second bridge around the Gaduwa axis would pick up speed.
“They have stated that if it weren’t for the intense rains, they would have begun the earthworks for the second bridge. But they will begin extensive excavation as soon as the rain stops, and they still guarantee that it will be finished before the elections, he stated.
Wike said he was relieved by the progress made at the Nile University–Ring Road 3 project since his last inspection, during which he had voiced concerns about the rate of work.
He claims that CCECC has now promised to finish and turn over the project by the first week of January.
“I have to admit that the management promised to turn over this job by the first week of January at the latest. Therefore, I’m quite pleased that we are on track and that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has fulfilled its pledge to finish the work before the general elections,” he stated.
Wike stated that his earlier worries had been allayed by the contractors’ reaffirmed commitments, and he expressed confidence in their capacity to fulfilll the dates.
“I was anxious the last time I visited, but I feel a little relaxed today. You saw what CGC said about their continued commitment, and CCECC has now reiterated that they will be on track. Thus, I have faith in them,” he remarked.