By Adekunle Adegboyega
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council to ensure they deliver their respective states for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election, warning that they should not claim victory if they fail to secure votes in their assigned territories.
Wike gave the warning on Wednesday during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council by President Tinubu in Abuja, ahead of the January 16, 2027, presidential election.
Speaking at the ceremony, the former Rivers State governor stressed that campaign leaders should be judged by their ability to mobilise electoral support rather than the positions they occupy in the campaign structure.
“If you don’t deliver your state, and the President wins, don’t say we have won. Because you did not win,” Wike said.
He argued that membership of the campaign council or holding a leadership position would mean little without measurable electoral results in the areas assigned to individual leaders.
Wike cited a conversation with the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to reinforce his position that campaign officials must demonstrate their effectiveness by delivering votes in their respective states.
Wike Challenges APC, Pledges to Deliver Rivers, FCT for Tinubu
Wike, who was assigned to coordinate the campaign in Rivers State and the FCT, expressed confidence that both territories would vote massively for Tinubu.
“My assignment is simple. I opened the leadership list today, and I saw my name. I was told that I am going to coordinate the FCT and Rivers. Simple, not too much work for me. It is Rivers and FCT,” he said.
He added that securing victory for Tinubu in the two territories was his primary responsibility in the campaign.
“By the grace of God, Rivers and FCT will vote massively for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That is my joy,” Wike stated.
Wike Challenges APC, FCT Residents to Support Tinubu
The FCT minister also challenged political leaders and residents in the territory to recognise what he described as the impact of Tinubu’s administration.
He questioned why residents of the FCT would not support the President, arguing that communities across the territory had experienced the administration’s presence.
“I challenge any area council that can say they don’t feel the presence of Mr President,” he said.
Wike expressed optimism that the campaign team would return after the election to celebrate its anticipated success.
During his remarks, Nyesom Wike said he was speaking on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite his participation in the APC-led campaign for Tinubu’s re-election.
His remarks reflect his involvement in the President’s campaign, but they should not be interpreted as an official endorsement of Tinubu by the PDP as a party.
2027 Presidential Election
The APC Presidential Campaign Council was inaugurated as political preparations continue ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Wike concluded his remarks by expressing hope that the campaign team would return on January 16, 2027, to give thanks for what he anticipated would be a successful election for Tinubu.
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