Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the minister’s concern that he could face political retaliation if either former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi wins the 2027 presidential election.
Olayinka made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, while reacting to Wike’s recent statement that he could be among the first politicians targeted if the opposition takes power.
Wike had said his decision to openly support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election had made him a target of opposition groups, but maintained that he had no regrets about his political position.
Explaining Wike’s position, Olayinka described the minister as a realist who understands the political consequences of his decisions and alliances.
He recalled Wike’s disagreement with Atiku during the 2023 presidential election, when Wike and other members of the G-5 opposed Atiku’s candidacy.
According to Olayinka, supporters of Atiku view Wike as one of the politicians whose actions contributed to Atiku’s failure to win the 2023 election.
He similarly argued that Wike’s political relationship with Peter Obi and his supporters had also become strained because of his actions and political positions.
Olayinka therefore said Wike was aware that a change of government could have political consequences for him.
“He has injured Atiku too much. He has injured Peter Obi too much,” Olayinka said, arguing that Wike should expect some form of political reaction because of the depth of the disagreements.
He, however, declined to make a definitive claim that Wike had previously used political retaliation against opponents.
The comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Wike continuing to support President Tinubu while Atiku and Obi remain prominent figures in the opposition political landscape.
Olayinka maintained that Wike was not under any illusion that his current political alignment would simply be forgotten if power changes hands after the 2027 election.
The statement has added to the ongoing political debate over alliances, disagreements and possible realignments ahead of the next presidential election.
