Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said his principal is under no illusion about the possible political consequences of his past disagreements with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 election.
Olayinka made the statement on Arise Television’s The Morning Show while defending Wike’s recent concern that he could face political retaliation if the opposition takes control of the Federal Government after the 2027 presidential election.
Wike had earlier said he expected to become one of the first politicians his former political associates could target if either Atiku or Obi emerged as president.
Explaining the minister’s position, Olayinka described Wike as a realist who understands the political implications of his decisions, particularly his role in the events surrounding the 2023 presidential election.
“One thing you must understand about Wike is that he is a realist. He does not deceive himself,” Olayinka said.
He recalled that Wike and members of the G-5 governors opposed Atiku’s presidential bid in 2023, arguing that this had significantly damaged their relationship.
“So Atiku people see Wike as an enemy, who did not allow Atiku to win election in 2023. The same thing with Peter Obi people,” he said.
Olayinka further argued that Wike should reasonably expect strained relations with both opposition figures if either eventually wins the 2027 election.
“He has injured Atiku too much. He has injured Peter Obi too much, and when you injure people politically, you should expect a kind of a payback,” he added.
The comments are significant as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to take shape ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition figures exploring alliances aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Wike, despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has publicly backed Tinubu’s re-election. Atiku is now associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Obi is contesting under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), according to recent reports.
The 2027 election is expected to intensify political realignments, with relationships forged during the 2023 election continuing to influence the emerging contest.
