Wike promises to resign if Tinubu loses in 2027 elections

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he will resign if President Bola Tinubu does not win the 2027 presidential election in Rivers State and the FCT.

Wike made this statement in Abuja on Wednesday. He was meeting with members of Apo mechanics and traders about their planned move to the informal sector in Wasa by the end of the year.

Wike, who is betting his political future on the election results, is bringing the Apo mechanics and traders into his Rainbow Coalition.

He said that his position in the cabinet depends on winning the election for the president in the FCT and Rivers State.

Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, is setting a clear timeline for the 2027 elections. He emphasized that he focuses on results and accountability.

"The presidential election is on January 16, 2027. By January 17, 2027, I will announce my resignation as FCT minister should the president lose in Rivers and the FCT," he stated.

Wike explained to the crowd that losing either area would mean he failed in his role.

"FCT is where I work. Rivers is my state. If I cannot deliver where I work, then I’m not worthy to be here.

"It means that whatever good thing I’ve been doing right here is meaningless. If I lose here, I shouldn’t be in that position. I’m a practical person. If I lose FCT, I have no business being the minister.

"If I go back to my state and the president cannot win, then why am I shouting about president, president, president when I cannot win?

"If I don’t deliver this, remove me here. I will accept it," he said.

Electoral Strategy for FCT

Wike shared his plans for the capital, saying that his Rainbow Coalition is being strengthened across the territory.

"Let us be clear on direction: for the presidency, it is Bola Tinubu! For the Senate, Philip Aduda. He is a man of the people, unlike those who only appear on television," the minister said.

He urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), other political parties, and residents of the FCT to come together and support this shared goal.

Wike asked the leadership of the Apo mechanics and traders to mobilize support at the grassroots level. He encouraged them to involve all residents, family members, and non-indigenes linked to the Apo business community to vote.

He assured the mechanics and traders that they will be relocated by the end of the year.

In response, leaders from the Apo trading community praised Wike for addressing long-standing infrastructure issues. They promised to fully support Mr. Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

Chimezie Efe, chairman of the Apo Trade Association, spoke about the economic benefits of new infrastructure, especially the newly-dualised Apo road.

"The road is so useful to us. It made our customers come close to us. In fact, since the road was built, our business has been moving well.

"Honourable minister, sir, I give you a promise that the entire members of the Apo Traders Association have agreed that our votes go to APC," he said.

Chinedu Nweke, coordinating chairman of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Unity Forum, thanked the minister for breaking the cycle of empty promises from past administrations.

"Before now, we had seen many ministers. They come and go with empty promises and end up doing nothing.

"You are the only minister we know because in the past, it was only on radio and television that we used to hear and see FCT ministers.

"But you have visited us several times and interacted with us. This shows you are truly a grassroots politician.

"The road dualisation and progress on our long-pending relocation to Wasa are dreams come true.

"The road dualisation you did has indeed improved economic activities of Apo Mechanic Village, and we are grateful. Whichever way you direct us, we follow you," he said.