2027: Wike Predicts Bigger Coalition for Tinubu, Speaks on Adeleke

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has predicted a broader political coalition around President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the recent meeting between Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the President points to further political realignment.

Wike made this known on Friday in Abuja while speaking during an inspection of ongoing projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister said Adeleke’s visit to Tinubu was part of a wider political movement that could bring together politicians from different parties to support the President in the 2027 presidential election.

Wike argued that the current political situation in Nigeria could not be described as a contest between a clear ruling party and a strong opposition party. He said the crisis affecting some opposition groups had made it difficult to identify one party as the main challenger to Tinubu.

According to the minister, Adeleke’s decision to engage with Tinubu despite his political affiliation was evidence of the changing political situation ahead of 2027.

Wike also dismissed claims that opposition groups were responsible for Adeleke’s victory in the recent Osun governorship election. He said some politicians were attempting to take credit for a victory they did not contribute to.

The minister further stated that Adeleke’s current engagement with Tinubu would strengthen the President’s political position ahead of the next presidential election.

He predicted that more politicians could join the growing political alignment around Tinubu in the weeks ahead.

Wike also played down possible reactions from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party figure Peter Obi to his political engagements with Adeleke. He said his main concern was securing victory for his political camp rather than making political opponents comfortable.

The minister blamed the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party for weakening its position as the main opposition platform. He said the internal disagreements had made it difficult for the PDP to operate as a united and formidable opposition force.

While speaking on the FCT projects he inspected, Wike said the administration was focused on completing major infrastructure projects within the year.

He visited the N5 Extension in Life Camp, where Julius Berger is handling the construction work. The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress and said the road was expected to be completed and handed over in December.

Wike also inspected the N1 Road project being handled by Arab Contractors. He said the quality of work was satisfactory and confirmed that the project was also scheduled for completion and handover in December.

The minister later visited the IBB International Golf Club, which is undergoing rehabilitation following intervention by the Tinubu administration.

He said the rehabilitation was expected to be completed by November, with the facility scheduled to reopen to members and users in December.

Wike explained that Julius Berger was brought back to handle the rehabilitation because the company originally constructed the golf facility and was familiar with its design and technical requirements.

The golf club had remained closed following an internal dispute that led to the appointment of a caretaker committee headed by the President of the Court of Appeal.

Wike credited the committee with helping to address the dispute and create the conditions for the rehabilitation of the facility.

He said the government would not continue to fund the operation of the golf club after its reopening. According to him, the management should develop ways to generate enough income to maintain the facility and meet its running costs.

The minister assured that the FCT Administration would continue to support the contractor through timely payments so that the rehabilitation work would remain on schedule.

He maintained that the December deadline for reopening the golf club would be met as the FCT continues its efforts to complete major projects across Abuja.