By George Omagbemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly set to give Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a clearly defined role in his 2027 presidential campaign structure, with the former Rivers State governor expected to coordinate the campaign’s activities in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.
The proposed arrangement, according to reports citing sources familiar with the emerging campaign structure, is designed to make use of Wike’s political network in the two territories without requiring him to formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), although he has openly declared his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The development comes amid growing disagreements between Wike and some APC governors over the organisation of Tinubu’s 2027 campaign.
Wike has repeatedly maintained that he does not need to join the APC or secure the position of Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council before contributing to Tinubu’s re-election effort. In August, he also rejected reports that he was lobbying to become campaign DG, saying his priority was to deliver Rivers State and the FCT for the President.
Under the emerging arrangement, former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari is expected to serve as Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, while Wike would have a specific responsibility for Rivers and the FCT.
The proposed role follows Wike’s repeated claims that he retains significant political influence in both territories. He recently described himself as the “General Commander of the Political Infantry” and said his objective was to secure support for Tinubu in Rivers and the FCT.
However, the arrangement has generated political tensions within the APC, particularly with governors who have insisted that the party’s structures and candidates should remain central to the 2027 campaign.
The issue has also become linked to Wike’s Rainbow Coalition, a political platform he has promoted across party lines in support of Tinubu.
Reports indicate that the proposed structure is intended to define Wike’s role around Tinubu’s presidential campaign without giving him control over the wider APC organisation in Rivers or the FCT.
The development remains a reported proposed arrangement rather than a formally announced presidential appointment. No official statement from the Presidency confirming Wike’s appointment to the position had been issued at the time of publication.
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