Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has predicted an easier victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that a fragmented opposition would struggle to mount a strong challenge.
Wike spoke on Monday while inspecting areas affected by flooding in the Federal Capital Territory. He said the political opposition had been weakened by defections and the absence of a stable political structure.
“This election, the 2027 election, will be the easiest election for Mr President. 2023 was a tough election for him,” Wike said.
The former Rivers State governor argued that a credible opposition needed to build and sustain a strong political structure over several years rather than move between political parties in search of an electoral platform.
He said the current state of the opposition made it unlikely that it could defeat Tinubu in 2027. “If it is this 2027 election against Bola Ahmed Tinubu, no, forget it. It’s over,” he said.
Wike also dismissed criticism of the Tinubu administration, saying political commentary would not erase what he described as its achievements over the past three years. He acknowledged that the government had not solved all the country’s problems but said it had made progress in addressing major challenges.
The minister also defended the administration’s record in the FCT and said ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and tackle flooding would continue.
On flooding, Wike ordered the immediate removal of buildings constructed on designated waterways, regardless of the status of their owners. He said the enforcement would continue despite the approaching election.
“I’m going to bring those houses down! Any house that’s found on the water channel will go down!” he said.
Wike also condemned the conversion of designated green areas in Abuja for commercial and other developments. He directed authorities to continue desilting drainage channels in flood-prone areas, including Lokogoma and the Yakubu Gowon Crescent axis of Asokoro, while urging residents to stop dumping waste in drainage channels.
