Wike backs Tinubu reelection despite risks

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, declared his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in the 2027 Nigerian presidential election. Speaking at a media chat in Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Rivers State, Wike said he expects to be the first politician targeted by opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi if Tinubu loses. He stated, 'I will be the first politician that I think they will come after... I know they will come for my head.' Despite the perceived political risks, Wike insisted he has no regrets and remains fully focused on securing Tinubu's victory, saying, 'Each day I sleep, I am thinking about the president's reelection.' Wike, who remains a member of the Nigeria — People s Democratic Party (PDP), is backing Tinubu of the Nigeria — All Progressives Congress (APC), a stance that has drawn criticism and fueled internal PDP disagreements. Atiku and Obi, who ran in 2023 under the PDP and Labour Party respectively, are now associated with the Nigeria — African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of an opposition realignment. Wike dismissed the criticism, asserting he has been vilified more than any other politician for his loyalty.