The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended his decision to support President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that his position does not conflict with his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike explained that supporting Tinubu does not mean he has abandoned his political party, stressing that individuals can support a presidential candidate while remaining members of their respective parties.
He said his decision to back Tinubu in the 2023 election was influenced by his belief that presidential power should return to the South after eight years of northern leadership.
The minister added that he has continued to support Tinubu because he believes the President is committed to transforming Nigeria.
Wike also dismissed claims that his support for Tinubu was intended to weaken the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that he had openly declared his position and remained firm in his decision.
He questioned why supporting the President should prevent politicians from participating in National Assembly elections under their own political parties.
“I said I was going to support the President, and I supported him. And I said I was going to support him to get a second term because I have seen that he’s committed and dedicated to changing Nigeria. What has that got to do with my party?” Wike said.
The FCT minister further criticised politicians who have recently begun publicly declaring support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, suggesting that some of them were motivated by political calculations.
He also warned against the belief among some governors that they possess absolute control over political affairs.
Wike argued that the growing coalition of politicians backing Tinubu should not be viewed as an attempt to destroy existing political parties.
According to him, politicians genuinely interested in securing Tinubu’s victory should focus on accommodating supporters from other parties rather than excluding them.
His comments followed the declaration by the APC Governors’ Forum that there would be no room for the Rainbow Coalition, with APC governors expected to support only candidates of the ruling party at all levels in the 2027 elections.
No comments:
Post a Comment