Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed claims made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would finish third in the 2027 presidential election. Wike challenged the accuracy of El-Rufai’s assessment, calling it a miscalculation.

During a media chat on Monday, Wike boldly proposed a bet with El-Rufai, asserting his strong belief that Tinubu would secure a second term in office. He went further to challenge El-Rufai to clarify who he thought would place first and second in the 2027 race if Tinubu, according to the former governor’s prediction, were to come third.

The FCT Minister, a vocal supporter of President Tinubu, expressed confidence in the president’s political strength. He dismissed El-Rufai’s projection as inaccurate, reflecting a deeper divide over Nigeria’s political future within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This public exchange between two prominent figures within the APC showcases the continuing political dynamics as the country gears up for the 2027 election. While El-Rufai’s comments hint at possible challenges to Tinubu’s re-election bid, Wike’s rebuttal serves as a reminder of the internal support that the president still commands.

Such exchanges are not unusual in Nigerian politics, where discussions and debates over electoral strategies often play out publicly. As the 2027 election approaches, these kinds of debates are expected to intensify, with key figures across party lines sharpening their strategies and articulating their visions for the country’s future.

These internal party dynamics are likely to play a critical role in shaping the political landscape as the nation heads toward the 2027 presidential race. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly influence the direction of Nigeria’s governance in the years to come.

Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has publicly declared that he will never criticize his former boss on national television. Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Omokri expressed his unwavering loyalty and affection for Jonathan, stating, “I have unconditional love for President Jonathan. I will not criticize and I will not give an opinion of anything he does on live television.”

Omokri further elaborated on the depth of their relationship, recounting a personal experience where Jonathan visited him in California and spent ten days with him and his family. He emphasized that such a gesture reflects the level of trust and confidence Jonathan has in him.

This declaration underscores the strong bond between Omokri and Jonathan, highlighting the personal connections that often influence political relationships and public statements.

Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South, says that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi could be in a position to secure the Peoples Democratic Party’s ticket for the 2027 presidential election if he decides to return to the party. Moro emphasized that Obi’s political resurgence hinges on such a move, suggesting that his current platform may not offer the same opportunity.

This statement comes amid growing whispers about Obi’s future in Nigeria’s political arena. With the PDP’s presidential ticket slated for the south in 2027, speculation has mounted that Obi’s return to the party could align with that zoning arrangement. Moro’s remarks reinforce the view that Obi’s candidacy stands a stronger chance within PDP’s structure than in his current role outside the party fold.

But not everyone sees a clear path forward for Obi, even within PDP. Some sources say his prospects remain uncertain suggesting that other figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, might be considered more likely beneficiaries of the party’s southern zoning strategy.

Complicating matters further, a spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress a coalition that includes Obi warned that returning to PDP could be politically risky. The warning stems from concerns about lingering influence by the ruling party over PDP’” internal affairs.

Meanwhile, party insiders say the PDP hasn’t actively reached out to Obi but remains open to welcoming him back. The party’s leadership insists they won’t go out of their way to solicit his return but the door remains ajar should he choose to walk through it.

In essence, Abba Moro’s comments underscore a political fork in the road for Obi: return to PDP and face a viable shot at the nomination, or stay the course outside and risk seeing that opportunity slip away.