2027: Wike Vows to Resign If Tinubu Loses FCT, Rivers as Dino Says Coalition Talks Ongoing
The 2027 presidential election is already generating fresh political alignments, with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike tying his continued stay in office to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State, while opposition figure Dino Melaye says talks to build a coalition against the President are still ongoing.
Wike made his declaration during an engagement with leaders and members of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association in Abuja. He said he would resign as FCT Minister if Tinubu loses the FCT and Rivers State in the 2027 presidential election.
The minister said his ability to deliver the FCT for the President was central to his continued stay in office. Wike stated that if Tinubu loses both areas at the presidential election, he would announce his resignation on January 17, 2027.
“If I lose FCT, I’m not supposed to be FCT Minister,” Wike said, adding that he would also resign if the President loses Rivers State. He further disclosed that a multi party coalition was being built in the FCT ahead of the election and endorsed candidates for various legislative positions while reaffirming his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Meanwhile, Dino Melaye, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has said opposition coalition discussions are ongoing ahead of the 2027 election. Melaye said the coalition’s objective is to defeat Tinubu, amid broader efforts by opposition parties to work towards a common political platform and potentially produce a single presidential candidate.
The contrasting developments come as political parties and political figures continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest. The opposition coalition talks have involved discussions around a common candidate, while the ruling All Progressives Congress has already settled on Tinubu as its presidential candidate.
Wike’s remarks also come amid ongoing efforts by the FCT Administration to address relocation and land allocation issues involving traders and mechanics around the Apo Mechanic Village corridor.
