Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he will resign from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet if the President loses the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State in the 2027 presidential election.
Wike made the declaration while addressing members of the Apo Traders Association in Abuja, where he linked his political support for Tinubu to his performance as FCT minister.
The former Rivers State governor said political support for Tinubu in the FCT cuts across party lines, claiming that some members of the Peoples Democratic Party are also supporting the President.
“I’ll tell you one thing about this place. We are doing rainbow coalition. Even people in the PDP, we are supporting Tinubu, right?” Wike said.
He explained that the FCT represents his place of work, while Rivers State remains his home state.
According to Wike, his ability to secure support for Tinubu in both locations should be seen as part of his responsibility as a minister and political stakeholder.
“You see, FCT is where I work. Rivers State is my state, right? And if I cannot deliver where I work, then I am not worthy to be here,” he said.
Wike argued that a poor electoral showing for Tinubu in either the FCT or Rivers State would raise questions about his own performance and position within the Federal Government.
“It means that whatever I am doing here, people don’t think that I’m doing the right thing. And even if I was here, I shouldn’t be in that position,” he said.
Wike Sets Resignation Date
The minister said he was prepared to accept responsibility for the outcome of the 2027 presidential election in the two areas.
He specifically said that if Tinubu fails to win both the FCT and Rivers State, he would leave office immediately after the election.
“I’m a practical person. The presidential election is on January 16, 2027. By January 17, 2027, I will announce my resignation as FCT Minister should the President lose in Rivers State and the FCT,” Wike said.
His declaration comes as political parties and their supporters continue preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the FCT and Rivers State expected to remain important areas of political mobilisation.
Wike has continued to publicly support Tinubu despite remaining a member of the PDP, while also participating in political activities aimed at building support for the President.
