Wike Dismisses Obi’s 2027 Presidential Chances, Rules Out Run-Off

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the possibility of opposition candidates mounting a strong challenge against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, questioning Peter Obi’s political appeal and ruling out a run-off.

Wike made the remarks on Thursday during his media chat, where he argued that the political movement which propelled Obi to prominence in the 2023 election had lost its influence.

He declared that the popular wave associated with the former Anambra State governor, widely known as the Obidient movement, no longer existed.

“All this so-called ‘Obi Kererenke’, it does not exist again. I have killed it. I have killed it,” the minister said.

When asked whether the opposition could force a run-off in 2027, Wike challenged the suggestion, questioning which candidates would be involved in such a contest.

“Run where? Run-off between who and who?” he asked.

The former Rivers State governor also criticised Obi's political credentials, describing him as a dramatist and arguing that Nigerians had already assessed his capacity to lead.

“Nigerians know Obi has nothing to offer. He’s a dramatist,” Wike said.

He further questioned whether Obi still enjoyed the level of financial and grassroots support that characterised his 2023 campaign, asking how many supporters were currently contributing money towards his political ambition.

Wike also referenced the electoral performance of Senator Ireti Kingibe, who won the Federal Capital Territory senatorial seat under the Labour Party in 2023. He argued that her victory was largely influenced by the political wave surrounding Obi's campaign rather than a strong party structure.

On former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Wike acknowledged his popularity but questioned whether his political influence extended significantly beyond Kano State.

He noted that although Kwankwaso won the state during the 2023 presidential election, his performance elsewhere in the North raised questions about the wider reach of his support.

The minister also criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, alleging that he failed to campaign in Rivers State during the 2023 election and questioning his prospects of securing support there in another presidential contest.

Wike's comments come amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, as opposition figures explore alliances and platforms to challenge Tinubu's re-election bid.

Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential election, has since left the Labour Party and aligned with the Nigeria Democratic Congress as he prepares for another presidential contest.

Wike, a former PDP governor who supported Tinubu in the 2023 election, has continued to defend the President's political prospects despite serving in the APC-led administration.