Former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been tapped to lead President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
The announcement, made late Tuesday by senior members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), confirms weeks of speculation over Wike’s growing political alignment with the ruling party despite his formal membership in the PDP. Sources close to both camps revealed that high-level negotiations had been ongoing for months, culminating in Wike’s acceptance to spearhead Tinubu’s 2027 campaign strategy.
“This is not about party lines anymore; it’s about delivering results and sustaining the renewed hope agenda,” Wike reportedly told close allies, hinting at his broader national ambitions and frustration with the PDP’s internal leadership crisis.
Wike’s political influence, especially in the South-South region, is seen as a strategic asset for Tinubu, who is seeking to consolidate support ahead of what is expected to be a hotly contested election. His appointment is also viewed as a signal of Tinubu’s willingness to build a cross-party coalition.
However, the development has sparked outrage within the PDP. Several party stalwarts have called for Wike’s immediate expulsion, accusing him of betrayal and anti-party activities. “You cannot ride on the PDP platform and then campaign for its chief rival. This is political heresy,” said a senior PDP official who asked not to be named.
Despite the backlash, analysts say the move underscores a broader realignment in Nigerian politics, where ideology often takes a back seat to personal influence and regional strategy.
Tinubu, who has yet to formally declare his intention to run in 2027, is expected to make a public statement in the coming days confirming Wike’s role. The decision is likely to shape the tone of the next two years of political activity in Nigeria.
