2027 Will Be Different From 2023, Wike Says, Dismisses Amaechi as Threat to Tinubu

 

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed suggestions that former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi poses a serious threat to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during his monthly media chat, where he questioned the strength of the opposition ahead of the next general election and insisted that the 2027 contest would differ significantly from the 2023 poll. 

The minister’s comments followed reports that Amaechi, who is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had expressed confidence in the opposition’s prospects ahead of the 2027 election. Wike challenged the basis of that optimism, particularly an argument attributed to Amaechi that the geographical origins of the leading presidential contenders could favour former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

According to Wike, Amaechi made the argument during a town hall meeting in Cross River State, where he reportedly suggested that Atiku’s northern origin gave the opposition an advantage over other contenders from the South. 

Wike, however, questioned the reasoning, pointing to the 2023 presidential election, in which Atiku and Peter Obi contested against Tinubu, who eventually emerged as the winner.

“In 2023, Atiku ran, Obi ran, Tinubu ran. Who won?” the minister asked, arguing that the previous election demonstrated that regional calculations alone did not determine the outcome of a presidential contest. 

The FCT minister also mocked the attendance at Amaechi’s Cross River town hall meeting, claiming that fewer than 200 people were present. He questioned how a politician involved in the opposition’s electoral strategy could declare the 2027 election effectively won based on regional considerations.

“I have always told you people, 2027 will be totally different from 2023,” Wike said. 

The remarks come amid growing political discussions and alignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition figures seeking to challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid. Wike, who supported Tinubu during the 2023 election, has continued to defend the president while criticising opposition politicians.

However, the final outcome of the 2027 election will depend on a range of factors, including party organisation, candidate appeal, voter turnout and the issues that shape voters’ decisions.