2027: Don’t claim victory if you fail to deliver your state, Wike tells APC campaign chiefs

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned coordinators of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign that they must deliver votes in their assigned territories or risk being held accountable, regardless of the overall outcome of the presidential election.

Wike said winning the presidency would not excuse campaign officials who failed to secure substantial support for Tinubu in their respective states, insisting that their positions in the campaign council must translate into electoral results.

“If you don’t deliver your state and the President wins, don’t say we have won. It is not a question of I am chairman of this, I am secretary of this, I am a member of this,” he said.

The minister spoke on Wednesday at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Wike, who was assigned to coordinate Tinubu’s campaign in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, said officials must take personal responsibility for their performance rather than rely on the national outcome.

He cited Lagos State as an example, recalling a conversation with the President’s Chief of Staff in which he stressed the need for campaign coordinators to deliver their areas.

“If you don’t win in Lagos, don’t say we have won,” he quoted himself as saying.

The former Rivers State governor, however, expressed confidence that his assigned territories would give Tinubu massive votes in the January 16, 2027, presidential election.

“Simple, there is not too much work for me. It’s Rivers and FCT, and let me say and pledge, by the grace of God, Rivers and FCT will vote massively for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That is my job,” he said.