Rufai Oseni, a presenter on Arise Television’s Morning Show, has said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, appears to be laying the groundwork for a possible presidential bid in 2031.
Oseni spoke on Monday while examining the latest political dispute involving Wike and a number of All Progressives Congress (APC) governors.
He argued that President Bola Tinubu would be careful not to worsen the disagreement, considering the political calculations surrounding the 2027 general elections.
According to the television host, Tinubu is likely to pursue reconciliation rather than take a confrontational position against Wike, as the President seeks to preserve his political interests ahead of the election.
Oseni maintained that the President could address some of the complaints made by the FCT minister while ensuring that the disagreement does not develop into a broader conflict within the ruling political structure.
He further stated that the major political challenge involving Wike may not occur until after the 2027 elections, when attention is expected to shift towards the survival and direction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The presenter also raised questions about Wike’s potential role in reshaping the opposition party, given his previous involvement in the PDP’s internal disputes and his backing of a breakaway faction.
Oseni said Wike’s recent political activities should be considered within a larger context, arguing that the FCT minister may be pursuing objectives that extend beyond his present confrontation with APC governors.
He pointed to Wike’s previous attempt to secure the PDP presidential ticket, saying his current activities could represent part of a long-term strategy to remain politically relevant and prepare for another opportunity to seek the presidency.
“All of this Wike is playing, forget it, he has presidential ambitions,” Oseni said.
The broadcaster suggested that Wike may be seeking to strengthen his political standing ahead of the period following the 2027 elections.
He also linked the minister’s alleged calculations to the possibility of the presidency returning to the southern region after the next eight years, suggesting that Wike could be positioning himself to take advantage of such an opening.
Oseni further observed that Wike’s age could provide him with an extended political window to pursue his reported presidential aspirations.
“And you see, the good thing about the game which he is playing is that age is on his side,” he added.
Wike previously served as governor of Rivers State and remains a member of the PDP despite his appointment as FCT minister by President Tinubu.
His continued membership of the opposition party while serving in the federal cabinet has remained a major feature of Nigeria’s current political realignment.
The disagreement between Wike and some APC governors is taking place as politicians across different parties intensify their preparations and alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
Oseni’s comments place Wike’s current political engagements within a longer-term context, suggesting that the minister’s activities could have implications beyond the immediate disputes and extend into the political contest expected after the 2027 polls.
