Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified that his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 is limited to the presidential contest and does not prevent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from fielding candidates in other elections.
Wike made the clarification in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
The minister said the PDP remains free to contest governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections, stressing that his commitment is to mobilise support for Tinubu’s presidential bid.
“What I said and stand for is that I will mobilise support for the re-election of the President. I never promised anyone that PDP will not field candidates to contest governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections,” Wike said.
He also rejected suggestions that the so-called rainbow coalition is affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it instead as a platform involving individuals and political parties supporting Tinubu’s re-election.
Wike argued that voters could support Tinubu for president while voting for candidates of other political parties in state and legislative elections.
He cited the 2023 elections in Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi states as examples, arguing that APC candidates won some legislative seats in states where Tinubu received comparatively fewer presidential votes.
The FCT minister said political stakeholders should first focus on securing Tinubu’s re-election before turning their attention to elections in their respective states.
He further said he would not be responsible for helping politicians secure electoral victories in their states, urging them to address their political challenges locally.
Wike maintained that “politics is local” and cautioned politicians against using Tinubu’s re-election campaign to generate political sentiments.
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