FCT Minister Wike Vows to Resign From Tinubu’s Cabinet Over 2027 Election

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to resign from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet if the President fails to win the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State in the 2027 presidential election.

Wike made the declaration while addressing members and leaders of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association in Abuja, where he spoke about his political commitment to Tinubu’s re-election and the growing coalition being built ahead of the poll.

The former Rivers State governor said his position as FCT Minister carries a political responsibility, particularly in ensuring that the President secures strong support in the territory under his administration.

According to Wike, he would not consider it appropriate to remain in office if he fails to produce the electoral result he has promised the President.

“If I cannot deliver where I work, then I’m not worthy to be here,” Wike said.

He went further to attach a specific date to his proposed resignation.

“If I lose FCT, I’m not supposed to be FCT Minister. By January 17, 2027, I will announce my resignation as FCT Minister should the President lose in Rivers State and the FCT,” he stressed.

The FCT Minister has in recent months repeatedly positioned himself as one of the key politicians working to mobilise support for Tinubu outside the formal structure of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Wike is not a member of the APC, but he has openly backed Tinubu’s bid for another term in office.

He has also maintained that his political focus for 2027 is to secure victory for the President in Rivers State and the FCT.

In August, Wike said his priority was delivering the two territories rather than seeking a position in Tinubu’s presidential campaign council.

“I don’t want to lose my state! I will be in my state. I have two states: FCT and Rivers. What is important is that you are able to deliver those two states. So it is not about being DG. If you are DG and you don’t win your state, what is the essence of the DG?” he said at the time.

The minister has also been promoting what he describes as a multi-party or “Rainbow Coalition” to support Tinubu.

At the meeting with the Apo mechanics and traders, Wike said the political arrangement in the FCT would cut across party lines and extend to the presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives elections.

“Let us be clear on direction: for the Presidency, it is Bola Ahmed Tinubu! For the Senate, Philip Aduda is a man of the people, unlike those who only appear on television. The two House of Representatives candidates we are supporting are also here. They are former Area Council chairmen.

“In the FCT, we are running a unified coalition across parties to deliver results.

“If I cannot deliver FCT as Minister, then I am not qualified to hold this office. We have a firm agreement, and today is the final affirmation.”

Wike’s support for former FCT Senator Philip Aduda has also become a major part of his political activities in the territory.

He has previously endorsed Aduda for the FCT Senate seat and argued that the former senator’s experience in the National Assembly would give the territory stronger representation.

In September, he again expressed confidence in Tinubu and other candidates he supports in the FCT, including Aduda.

He said residents should consider the development projects being executed across the territory when making their choices at the polls.

The minister’s political campaign in the FCT has also coincided with a growing dispute over the territory’s representation and the contest for the FCT Senate seat.

Incumbent Senator Ireti Kingibe has remained in the political contest, while Wike has openly backed Aduda.