Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has put the pressure on political leaders backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, insisting that their contributions should be measured by votes delivered rather than positions held in the campaign council.
Wike made the remarks on Wednesday, October 14, at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, where he pledged to secure Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory for Tinubu in the 2027 election.
He challenged APC governors to take responsibility for the President’s performance in their respective states, warning that political appointments and campaign titles would count for little if they failed to deliver electoral victories.
“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.”
The minister said he was pleased to be named coordinator for Rivers and the FCT, adding that he had already engaged area council chairmen on the need to mobilise support for Tinubu.
According to Wike, federal projects across the territory should strengthen the President’s appeal among residents ahead of the polls.
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“Rivers and FCT, it is taken. I challenge any area council that can say they don’t see the presence of Mr President,” he stated.
Wike extended his warning to political allies in Lagos, arguing that those entrusted with mobilising support should not celebrate a national victory without securing their own states for Tinubu.
“If you don’t deliver your state and the President win, don’t say we have won. I told the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the other day that if the President did not win in Lagos, don’t say we have won.”
The remarks came as the APC began formal preparations for the 2027 presidential contest, with campaign coordinators expected to build support across the country.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who also attended the inauguration, pledged to hit the ground running in working for Tinubu’s re-election.
Wike’s comments underscored the emphasis being placed on state-level mobilisation as the ruling party seeks to consolidate support ahead of the election.