A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has urged President Bola Tinubu to sustain his political alliance with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okechukwu said the relationship between Tinubu and Wike could be strategically important to the APC as the ruling party seeks to consolidate its political strength ahead of the next presidential election.
The APC chieftain’s appeal comes amid increasing political realignments ahead of 2027, with parties and politicians working to strengthen their alliances across different regions of the country.
According to Okechukwu, Wike’s political influence and network could provide valuable support for the Tinubu administration and the APC during the electoral season. He therefore advised the President to preserve the relationship rather than allow political differences to undermine it.
The issue is significant because Wike remains an influential political figure in Rivers State and beyond. Although he was a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he joined Tinubu’s administration as FCT minister after the 2023 presidential election. His continued support for Tinubu has since generated considerable political discussion.
Wike has also publicly maintained his support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, despite remaining a member of the PDP. His position has contributed to speculation about further political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Okechukwu’s comments highlight the importance of coalition-building as the APC prepares for another competitive electoral contest. Maintaining alliances with influential politicians could help the ruling party strengthen its support base, particularly in politically strategic states.
At the same time, Wike’s relationship with the PDP and his role in the Tinubu administration remain subjects of political debate. Different opposition groups have continued to seek alliances capable of challenging the APC in 2027.
The latest call therefore underscores the growing focus on political partnerships as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, with both ruling and opposition camps expected to intensify negotiations and mobilisation in the months ahead.
