Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he will not oppose President Bola Tinubu’s preferred successor when the 2031 presidential election approaches.
Wike stated this on Monday in Abuja while speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister said Tinubu would naturally have an interest in who succeeds him after completing his tenure and that he would not allow his political interests to put him at odds with the President.
“By 2031 Mr President will not run and he will have interest in who will succeed him, and I will not be at loggerhead with his interest,” Wike said.
He dismissed speculation that his current political activities were aimed at preparing for a presidential bid in 2031, saying his immediate focus remained Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“My primary concern is whether Tinubu will be re-elected for a second term, and I have made it known from the onsets that I am going to support Mr President with all my might and strength,” he said.
Wike said his political decisions beyond 2027 would depend on circumstances, adding that being alive would be the first consideration before making plans for 2031.
“People are taking the position of God. First of all, you have to pray to be alive—asking God to keep you alive until tomorrow or the next day. Only when God keeps you alive will you know what to do,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor recalled his participation in the 2022 Peoples Democratic Party presidential primary, where he finished second, saying the experience had exposed him to the complexities of Nigerian politics.
Wike also defended the Rainbow Coalition, dismissing claims that the group was established to destabilise political parties.
He said the coalition was intended to bring together people from different political backgrounds who support Tinubu’s administration and his bid for a second term.
“It is very disappointing to hear some people say the rainbow coalition will destabilise the party,” Wike said.
According to him, the coalition had not asked anyone to abandon other political interests but had encouraged APC members and other like-minded Nigerians to support Tinubu.
“We have not gone to anyone to say they should not support anyone; rather, we asked all our party members and like-minded people who are not APC members to ensure they support Mr President,” he said.
Wike also compared the current controversy over the coalition with the activities of the G5 governors ahead of the 2023 elections.
He questioned why similar concerns were not raised when the five governors pursued a separate political position during the last election cycle.
“Looking back at 2023 when it was the G5, why did nobody complain that it would destabilise the party?” he asked.
Wike said the G5 may have gained some political advantage from its position but argued that there were other issues behind the criticism of the Rainbow Coalition.
“You can argue that it gave them an advantage, but that is not the real cause of the outcry today. There are undertones to this,” he said.
The minister said he would provide further explanations on the controversy surrounding the coalition during a television appearance later on Monday.
Meanwhile, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing projects in the FCT, saying contractors had maintained their commitment to delivering them before the 2027 general elections.
He inspected the Inner Southern Expressway linking Ring Road I and Ring Road II, the service lanes of the Southern Parkway from Arterial Road S20 in Gaduwa District to Ring Road II, and the road connecting Nile University to Ring Road III.
Wike commended the contractors for the quality and pace of work, saying the projects formed part of the administration’s commitments to improving infrastructure in the capital.
- TCN begins repairs on four vandalised transmission towers in Rivers - September 21, 2026
- Nursing students protest rape, stealing by hoodlums in hostel attack - September 21, 2026
- Lagos residency will showcase Africa’s world-class entertainment venues — Davido - September 21, 2026
