2027: Why I can’t be Tinubu’s campaign DG - Wike

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has declared he will not take on the role of Director-General for President Bola Tinubu's 2027 presidential campaign. Wike, a prominent figure from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now serving in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, explained his decision is rooted in historical patterns observed in Nigerian presidential elections.

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History has shown that presidential campaign directors-general often lose their states while focusing on national campaigns.

He pointed to a recurring trend where individuals appointed as Directors-General for presidential campaigns have subsequently lost their home states. Wike referenced the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections, highlighting specific politicians who experienced this outcome. "History has shown that presidential campaign directors-general often lose their states while focusing on national campaigns," Wike stated.

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In 2015, the Minister of Transport was the governor of Rivers State. He was the DG of Muhammadu Buhari. Before you knew, I pulled the carpet off his feet. He lost. He didn’t get 25 per cent. In 2019, he was Minister of Transport; he became the DG, and he lost his state too.

Among those cited was Rotimi Amaechi, who served as the Director-General for Muhammadu Buhari's campaigns in 2015 and 2019. Wike recalled that Amaechi, then a governor and later Minister of Transportation, lost his home state of Rivers in both instances. Similarly, Bukola Saraki, former Senate President and Director-General for Atiku Abubakar's 2019 campaign, reportedly lost his state and his senatorial bid. Aminu Tambuwal, who led Atiku Abubakar's campaign in 2023, and Lalong, who directed the APC's campaign in the same year, also reportedly lost their respective states.

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Bukola Saraki was the DG of Atiku campaign in 2019. He was running around doing ‘Atikulated’. I called him, ‘Why are you doing Atikulated? Go home!’ He lost his state! Lost his own seat, too.

President Tinubu recently established the APC presidential campaign council for the 2027 election, appointing former Zamfara State governor Abdulaziz Yari as its Director-General. The council's composition includes Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda as vice chairmen, with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma serving as secretary. Wike's comments offer a candid perspective on the perceived challenges and potential pitfalls associated with leading such a high-stakes campaign.

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In 2023, Aminu Tambuwal became DG of Atiku. He lost his state! In the same 2023, Lalong was the DG of the APC, the present president. He lost his state.