Wike Challenges El-Rufai’s Prediction on Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid

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.