BREAKING NEWS: Wike Says Opposition Too Divided to Unseat Tinubu in 2027

Wike Says Opposition Too Divided to Unseat Tinubu in 2027

Wike Expresses Confidence in APC's Chances Ahead of 2027

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that opposition parties in Nigeria are too weak and fragmented to pose a serious challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Thursday, August 20, 2026, while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, Wike argued that the opposition remains deeply divided and lacks the unity required to successfully challenge the APC at the polls.

According to the former Rivers State governor, the opposition is even more fractured than it was during the 2023 general elections, making it increasingly difficult for rival parties to mount a credible challenge against the ruling party.

Wike Criticises Atiku Over Fuel Subsidy Position

During his remarks, Wike also took aim at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his recent comments regarding the Federal Government's fuel subsidy policy.

The FCT minister accused Atiku of inconsistency, arguing that the former vice president had previously supported the removal of fuel subsidies but is now advocating a different position.

Wike maintained that public leaders should remain consistent and honest in their policy positions, especially on issues that directly affect the lives of Nigerians.

He recalled that Atiku had reportedly backed subsidy removal during the 2023 election campaign and suggested that his current position may be influenced by renewed presidential ambitions.

Changes in Nigeria’s Petroleum Sector

Despite his criticism, Wike acknowledged that Nigeria's petroleum sector has undergone significant reforms since 2023. He highlighted the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the transformation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) into a commercially driven enterprise.

According to him, these reforms have altered the structure of the petroleum industry, with fuel production and importation no longer dominated by a single entity.

Wike argued that Atiku could have contributed more constructively to the national debate by supporting subsidy removal and proposing practical ways to utilize the savings generated from the policy rather than advocating for its return.

APC Positioned for Victory, Says Wike

Expressing strong confidence in the ruling party's prospects, Wike insisted that simply fielding candidates would not be enough for opposition parties to defeat the APC in 2027.

He predicted that President Tinubu and the APC would secure victory in the next general election, citing what he described as the administration's achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister pointed to ongoing infrastructure development, enhanced security initiatives, community-focused programmes, and extensive road construction projects within the FCT as evidence of the government's commitment to delivering tangible results for Nigerians.

Wike's comments come amid increasing political realignments and preparations ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with major political parties already positioning themselves for what is expected to be another fiercely contested electoral battle.