Wike Says He Won't Help Anyone Win Elections, But Read What He Actually Said

Nyesom Wike came out today, Tuesday September 15, to say he will not help anyone win elections in their states, and that his only priority for 2027 is mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election. The FCT Minister made this clear in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

Here is the part people are skipping. Wike said, "I won't be the one to help people to win elections in their states. Politics is local, and those having problems in their states should resolve them instead of using the re-election of the President to whip up sentiments." He also clarified that the rainbow coalition has nothing to do with the APC, saying, "Rainbow coalition has nothing to do with the APC. Rather, it is our own way of mobilising support across political parties for Mr President, who has done well to deserve a second term."

And then he dropped a line that should worry every state-level politician relying on Abuja calculations. Wike said, "After the President must have been re-elected, we can all go and face elections in our states," and reminded everyone that he never promised the PDP would not field candidates for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly contests. He even pointed to 2023, where the APC won two senatorial seats in Imo with less than 15 per cent of the presidential vote, and won National Assembly seats in Ebonyi, Abia and Enugu with under 10 per cent in some states.

So let me ask the uncomfortable question. Is Wike telling the truth about how voters now separate presidential from state elections, or is this just a man protecting his own 2027 position while telling governors to fight their own battles? Be honest, if your governor is waiting for Abuja to deliver his state, what exactly is he doing for you?