2027: I’ll Be Atiku, Obi’s First Casualty If Tinubu Loses — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that he could become one of the first political casualties if President Bola Tinubu loses the 2027 presidential election.

Wike made the statement while speaking about the political implications of the next presidential contest and his decision to support Tinubu ahead of the election.

The former Rivers State governor said his political position was based on his assessment of the competing forces seeking to take control of the Federal Government.

He suggested that if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi emerged victorious, politicians who currently support Tinubu could face political consequences.

Wike said he was conscious of the possible consequences of his political choices but maintained that he would not abandon his position because of fear.

The minister has remained a prominent supporter of Tinubu despite his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, which is expected to participate in the 2027 presidential contest.

His relationship with the PDP has been complicated by his continued participation in the Tinubu administration and his opposition to the party’s leadership over several political issues.

Wike was one of the five governors popularly known as the G5 that refused to support Atiku’s presidential bid in the 2023 election.

The former Rivers governor has since maintained a close political relationship with the Tinubu administration, while continuing to describe himself as a member of the PDP.

Atiku is expected to contest the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress, while Obi is also preparing for another presidential bid after finishing third in the 2023 election.

The emergence of multiple opposition figures has increased the political competition ahead of 2027, with parties and political blocs working to build alliances and strengthen their structures nationwide.

Wike’s latest remarks underline the personal political stakes he associates with the outcome of the election.

He maintained that political leaders must be prepared to accept the consequences of their choices rather than change positions simply because of electoral calculations.

The minister also urged his supporters to remain focused and defend their political decisions.

With the 2027 election approaching, Wike’s continued support for Tinubu is expected to remain a major issue in political discussions, particularly within the PDP and among opposition groups.

His comments also highlight the increasingly confrontational nature of the emerging presidential contest, as political actors position themselves ahead of the election.