Punch Newspapers has reported that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says that he would be the first target of opposition politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, should President Bola Tinubu fail to secure re-election in 2027.
Wike made the remark during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday, where he defended his unrelenting campaign for Tinubu’s second term despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Wike has been engaged in a political battle with Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, since 2022, when he lost the Peoples Democratic Party presidential ticket to the former vice president.
Obi, who emerged as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for 2027, also sought Wike’s support for his 2023 presidential bid on the Labour Party platform, although the minister openly backed Tinubu in the election.
Speaking on the political risk of openly backing the President, Wike said his loyalty to Tinubu had left him personally exposed should the President’s re-election bid fail.
“My concern is, I will support Mr President. If you watch what is happening today and look at it, peradventure anything happens and Mr President fails today, I will be the first politician that Atiku or Obi will hunt for his head.
“I challenge anybody. So, I won’t make that mistake of sleeping to see that the President loses the election,” Wike said.
The minister argued that his aggressive posture against opposition figures such as Atiku and Obi meant that a Tinubu defeat in 2027 would not only be a loss for his Rainbow Coalition but would also leave him personally vulnerable to political reprisal from a new administration.
Wike further declared that he would not remain passive and allow Atiku to win the 2027 presidential election, as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the January general elections.
He also dismissed reports that he was planning to relocate to Rivers State, saying his frequent visits to the state were part of efforts to remain politically engaged with his people.
“You want me to fold my hands for Atiku Abubakar to come and win the election?” Wike asked.
The minister argued that he had no intention of abandoning his responsibilities in Abuja but would continue to maintain close contact with political developments in Rivers State.
“It’s not about relocating; it’s about coming home to relate with the people and talk to them, and also do those things you know how to do very well, not to take chances.
“So, I’m not relocating. I don’t need to relocate, but I also have to be in touch with my people so that I don’t just sit in Abuja and then say that everything is going on well there,” he added.
