Wike Rules Out 2027 Presidential Bid, Backs Tinubu for Re-Election

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ruled out contesting the 2027 presidential election, citing “integrity and character” as reasons he would not challenge President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking at a media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike said loyalty to his appointor was paramount.

“I have integrity and character. My appointor is running. There is no way I would contest against him,” he declared.


Wike expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election, dismissing former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai’s prediction that Tinubu would come third in 2027.

“I can place a confident bet that President Tinubu will win in 2027,” Wike said. “If he comes third, who comes first and second?”

Rivers Election Dispute

The minister defended the legality of the controversial Rivers State local government elections, insisting emergency rule gave constitutional backing for their conduct. He dismissed criticisms from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, accusing them of political frustration and ignorance of the law.

> “Under emergency rule, certain aspects of the law are suspended. Sole administrators act on behalf of the President, and funds are released in line with Supreme Court pronouncements,” Wike explained.


He also warned against plans to reintegrate Obi into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting such a move would “destroy the party.”

Atiku: Nigerians Will Decide 2027

Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar maintained that the 2027 election would be determined by Nigerians, not by the dominance of APC or PDP. His media aide, Paul Ibe, stressed that the coalition building ahead of 2027 is “people-driven” and enjoys growing support from civil society and political stakeholders.

Obidient Movement Pushes Back

Reacting to recent criticisms, the Obidient Movement dismissed what it called “propaganda” aimed at discrediting Peter Obi. National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said Obi’s political style is issue-driven and that detractors are only “desperate for relevance.”

“Dragging Peter Obi’s name is their only way to seek attention. A New Nigeria is still possible,” Tanko said, while dismissing Wike’s attacks as distractions.


Obi Raises Alarm on Health Crisis

Separately, Obi raised concerns about Nigeria’s declining health indices. Citing the United Nations’ World Population Prospects 2025 Report, he warned that Nigeria now has the world’s lowest life expectancy at 54.6 years and the highest maternal death rate globally one death every seven minutes.

“Though Nigeria is not officially at war, our life expectancy is worse than war-torn nations like Ukraine and South Sudan. This is the result of poor governance and underinvestment in healthcare,” Obi said.

He urged urgent reforms in healthcare funding and policy, warning that no nation can prosper while neglecting the health and well-being of its people.