Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has again emphasized that his top political goal continues to be ensuring President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 presidential race.
Wike made this known on Monday in Abuja while addressing journalists after he inspected several road projects currently underway in the FCT.
The minister also rejected claims that the cross-party Rainbow Coalition, with which he is linked, was formed to cause instability within existing political parties.
He called the claims “baseless,” maintaining that the coalition was created to unite people from various political backgrounds who back Tinubu’s administration.
Wike noted that his current political focus was the 2027 presidential election and the extension of Tinubu’s administration past 2027.
“My primary concern is whether Tinubu will be re-elected for a second term, and I have made it known from the onset that I am going to support Mr. President with all my might and strength,” he said.
He stated that he was not concerned about accusations being made against the Rainbow Coalition but expressed disappointment over claims that the initiative would destabilize political parties.
“I am not bothered about what accusations people make, but it is very disappointing to hear some people say the Rainbow Coalition will destabilize the party,” Wike said.
As he puts it, the coalition is not trying to stop anyone from backing other political interests; instead, it is urging its members and like-minded Nigerians to support Tinubu.
“We have not gone to anyone to say they should not support anyone; rather, we asked all our party members and like-minded people who are not APC members to ensure they support Mr. President,” he said.
The former Rivers state governor recalled the role played by the G5 governors during the 2023 general elections, questioning why similar concerns were not raised at the time about possible disruption of the political structure.
“Looking back at 2023 when it was the G5, why did nobody complain that it would destabilize the party? Did the president not win? Did it affect the APC-controlled National Assembly?” he asked.
He mentioned that the G5 may have provided some political advantage but said that was not sufficient reason for the current concerns surrounding the rainbow coalition.
“You can argue that it gave them an advantage, but that is not the real cause of the outcry today. There are undertones to this,” Wike said.
He further disclosed that he would appear on TVC later on Monday to provide further explanations about the issues surrounding the rainbow coalition.
He stated that the television appearance would allow Nigerians to grasp what he called the reasons behind the concerns being raised about the political initiative.
Wike also brushed aside speculation that his current political realignment was intended to position him for the presidency in 2031.
“People are taking the position of God. First of all, you have to pray to be alive—asking God to keep you alive until tomorrow or the next day. Only when God keeps you alive will you know what to do,” he said.
He recalled that he contested the 2022 presidential primaries and came second, adding that his political experience had exposed him to the complexities of Nigerian politics.
“By 2031 Mr. President will not run, and he will have interest in who will succeed him, and I will not be at loggerhead with his interest,” Wike said, adding that God ultimately determines the future.
Regarding the FCT projects, Wike said he was pleased with the speed and standard of the work, noting that they were expected to be completed ahead of the January 2027 general elections.
He inspected the continuing construction of the Inner Southern Expressway stretching from Ring Road I to Ring Road II, the service lanes of the Southern Parkway running from Arterial Road S20 in Gaduwa District to Ring Road II, and the road connecting Nile University to Ring Road III.
The minister, who praised the contractors for upholding high standards, gave assurances that Tinubu’s administration would keep its promises.
