Wike's Political Strategy Post-2027 Revealed by Atiku's Aide

Demola Olarewaju, a senior political aide to Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress, stated that Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, is strategically keeping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alive in certain states to maintain political relevance after the 2027 elections. Olarewaju asserted that Wike is aware that Bola Tinubu will abandon him post-2027, regardless of the election outcome.

He characterized Wike's confrontations with governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a calculated political maneuver, suggesting that Wike's relationship with Tinubu is based on temporary mutual interests. Wike, however, insists that his support for Tinubu's 2027 presidential bid does not equate to abandoning the PDP or withdrawing from other electoral contests.

This has led to tensions with the APC Governors Forum, particularly after Hope Uzodimma, the forum chairman, stated that APC governors would not support arrangements undermining the party. Wike argues that supporting candidates from different parties in various elections is not contradictory.