Why 2027 Election Will Be Easier For Tinubu Than 2023 – Wike’s Aide Reveals

Lere Olayinka, a media aide to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has predicted that President Bola Tinubu will face a less difficult battle in the 2027 presidential election than he did in 2023.

Olayinka, who spoke on Monday during an interview on TVC Breakfast, attributed the expected advantage to his political alliances and record in office.

He argued that Tinubu’s ability to attract influential politicians from across the political divide had weakened the opposition and created a more favourable political environment for the president ahead of the 2027 poll.

According to Olayinka, Tinubu’s political strategy, combined with what he described as his administration’s achievements in national development, would make the 2027 contest significantly easier for the president.

“The reason this election of 2027 will be a one-way election is because of the performance of the president in terms of national development and his performance in terms of politics,” he said.

“It will be much easier for the president than the 2023 election. That is a fact that most people are not willing to accept.”

Olayinka particularly highlighted Wike’s continued support for Tinubu despite his membership of the opposition PDP, arguing that the former Rivers State governor could have strengthened the PDP’s presidential campaign had he chosen to work against the administration.

“If Wike was not working with the president, probably he would have been galvanizing more support for the PDP. Now he is not. The president has been able to bring him and other people to himself,” he said.

He also cited the potential impact of opposition figures backing different presidential candidates, mentioning Governor Alex Otti of Abia state and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state as examples.

“Imagine Alex Otti also pushing Labour Party presidential candidate. Imagine Adeleke pushing Accord Party presidential candidate. Imagine Wike is pushing that of PDP,” Olayinka said.

He maintained that Tinubu’s willingness to accommodate politicians outside his political camp had simultaneously eased governance and reduced the capacity of rival parties to mobilise against him.

“By being open, by bringing people to himself, he has been able to make governance easier. He has also been able to make politics easier for himself,” he added.

Olayinka further urged Nigerians to recognise Wike’s contribution to Tinubu’s administration, stressing that the FCT minister’s political influence remains significant despite his continued membership of the PDP.

Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the ability of Nigerians to protect their votes during the 2027 general elections.

Obi said the credibility of the election mattered more to him than its eventual outcome, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the poll is free, fair and transparent.

He spoke at the weekend in Ogugu, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, during the unveiling of Chief Peter Ameh as the NDC candidate for Kogi East Senatorial District.

The former Anambra State governor said Nigerians must be allowed to freely choose their leaders and have their votes accurately reflected in the final results.

“I am not worried about what the outcome of the 2027 general election will be. What worries me is the people and how they will protect their votes on election day,” Obi said.

He linked the need for credible elections to the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, including hunger and poverty, arguing that political leaders should concentrate on finding solutions to the hardship confronting citizens.

“There is hunger and poverty in the land, and that is why I came here to see what we can do to ameliorate the suffering of our people,” he said.

Obi urged Nigerians to remain vigilant during the election and insist that their votes count, stressing that citizens should use the electoral process to choose leaders capable of addressing the country’s challenges.

“My charge to the people is that they must ensure a free, fair and credible election. This time around, our votes must count. Nigerians must elect those who will lead them,” he added.