Wike: I Won’t Risk Losing Rivers, FCT for APC Presidential Campaign DG’s Job

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has clarified his position regarding a potential role in President Bola Tinubu's 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, stating he would not jeopardize his electoral standing in Rivers State and the FCT for such a position. Wike, a prominent figure who was instrumental in Tinubu's 2023 election victory despite not being a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), explained his decision by referencing the electoral failures of previous campaign directors.

“

In 2015, the Minister of Transport was the governor of Rivers State. He was the DG of Muhammadu Buhari. Before you knew it, 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. Bukola Saraki was the DG of Atiku’s 2019 campaign. 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! In 2023, Aminu Tambuwal became DG of Atiku. He lost his state! In the same 2023, Lalong was the DG of APC, the present President. He lost his state!

Wike pointed to several high-profile politicians who served as Directors-General for presidential campaigns but subsequently lost their home states. He specifically mentioned former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong. Wike highlighted their defeats in their respective states during presidential election campaigns, underscoring the risks associated with such roles.

"I don't want to lose my state! I will be in my state. I have two states: FCT and Rivers," Wike declared. He stressed that his primary objective is to ensure victory in both the FCT and Rivers State in the upcoming 2027 general elections. He questioned the value of a Director-General position if the individual could not secure their home state, emphasizing his commitment to delivering tangible electoral results for his territories.

“

I don’t want to lose my state! I will be in my state. I have two states: FCT and Rivers. What is important is that you can deliver those two states. So, it is not about being DG. If you are DG and you don’t win your state, what is the essence of the DG?

Furthermore, Wike reiterated that his non-membership in the APC makes him ineligible to lead their presidential campaign council. However, he affirmed his continued support for President Tinubu's re-election bid, suggesting his involvement would operate through a cross-party "Rainbow Coalition." This approach allows him to contribute to Tinubu's campaign without formally joining the APC or holding an official campaign leadership role.

“

I am not a member of the APC. So, the issue of their Presidential Campaign Council is off the table. When we were fighting for the President to be President in 2023, we were not members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, but we were fighting. So, we had our own strategies on how the president would emerge.