During a media parley in Port Harcourt on September 2, 2026, Nyesom Wike declared that only the All Progressives Congress can win the presidential election in the Federal Capital Territory, tying it to his governance record of building 12 flyovers as Rivers governor. Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, positioned himself as the ‘General Commander’ ensuring key areas back President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former Rivers governor also revealed that he called Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke after his re-election to direct him to issue a public statement supporting President Tinubu and thanking him for a free and fair poll. “I called him and said: ‘You have won, but you know the game. You must come out and thank the President for a free and fair election. And you must also say you are supporting the President,” Wike said, according to a video shared by Channels Television.
Wike’s remarks underscore his growing influence in the Tinubu administration and his role as a key political strategist for the President. His claim that the APC has a lock on the FCT is a significant statement, given that the territory has historically been a battleground between the APC and the opposition. The FCT has often been a stronghold for the opposition in past elections, including the 2023 presidential poll where Peter Obi won the territory for the Labour Party. The APC is yet to win the FCT in a presidential election, making Wike’s claim a bold one.
Wike’s reference to his record of building 12 flyovers as Rivers governor is an attempt to demonstrate his capacity for delivery and his commitment to infrastructure development. He has repeatedly pointed to his development record as proof of his political clout.
The winners: Nyesom Wike, who has reaffirmed his role as a key political player; and President Tinubu, who benefits from Wike’s support. The losers: the opposition parties, which face a more organised APC campaign; and the Nigerian public, who are watching the political realignment ahead of 2027.
Bottom Line: Wike says the APC will win the FCT. He has revealed his role in ensuring Adeleke’s support for Tinubu. The question is whether Wike’s confidence will be rewarded or the opposition will prove him wrong.