2027: Why I can’t be a member of Tinubu campaign council – Wike

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike stated he cannot join the Campaign Council for President Bola Tinubu's reelection because he is not a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike made this remark after visiting several ongoing projects in the FCT. He emphasized that campaign council membership does not guarantee victory in an election.

According to Wike, true political relevance depends on a politician's capability to win their own states, local governments, and wards. He emphasized, "Every politics is local." Wike encouraged politicians from all parties to concentrate on mobilizing grassroots voters for Tinubu rather than competing for positions in campaign councils.

He dismissed the idea that being a part of the APC Presidential Campaign Council would hinder any political figure from securing a win for the president. Drawing from past political experiences, Wike pointed out several instances where prominent figures served as Directors-General (DG) of presidential campaign councils but failed to win their home states.

He provided examples such as Rotimi Amaechi who was DG for Muhammadu Buhari's 2015 and 2019 campaigns but lost Rivers State; Bukola Saraki who led Atiku Abubakar's 2019 campaign council but lost Kwara State and his senatorial seat; Aminu Tambuwal who was DG for Atiku Abubakar in 2023 but lost Sokoto State; and Simon Lalong who headed the APC Presidential Campaign Council as DG in 2023 but failed to secure Plateau State.

Wike explained that if one is DG and fails to win their state, it diminishes the significance of the position. He further explained that political alliances can transcend traditional party structures, citing a cross-party "Rainbow Coalition" comprising several states such as Bayelsa, Benue, and Kwara, all working to support the presidency regardless of formal campaign appointments.

Citing the G-5 movement's role during the 2023 elections, Wike highlighted how key political players could collaborate through independent structures to ensure regional success. "I am not a member of the APC, so I cannot be in the Presidential Campaign Council. We had our own strategies on how the presidency would emerge. In the Rainbow Coalition, we do not need to be members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

We are doing our own work," he said. Wike assured that both the FCT and Rivers States remain under his political control to ensure victory for the presidency. "What is important is: are you able to deliver those two states? Who will be in charge of the Rivers State campaign? Me. Who will be in charge of FCT? Me," he affirmed.