Nigerian businessman and political commentator Isaac Fayose has reacted to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike’s pledge to resign if President Bola Tinubu loses the FCT and Rivers State in the 2027 presidential election.
Wike had made the declaration on Wednesday while addressing leaders and members of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association in Abuja.
The minister said he would announce his resignation on January 17, 2027, if Tinubu fails to secure victory in both the FCT and Rivers State.
Wike explained that his ability to deliver political support for the President in the areas he considers his primary political bases would determine whether he should remain in office.
He said that if he could not deliver the FCT, where he currently serves as minister, he would not consider himself deserving of the position.
The declaration has since attracted reactions from political commentators and other Nigerians ahead of the 2027 election.
Reacting in a post on his Facebook page on Thursday, Fayose challenged Wike over the pledge and told him to prepare for a different political future.
Fayose claimed that Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), would defeat Tinubu in both the FCT and Rivers State if the election is conducted freely and fairly.
He also referred to Obi’s performance in the FCT during the 2023 presidential election, arguing that the former Anambra State governor could attract stronger support in the territory in 2027.
Fayose further asserted that Rivers State would also support Obi, while questioning Wike’s confidence in delivering the two territories for Tinubu.
He urged political actors and voters to focus on the credibility of the electoral process and said the outcome should be determined by voters.
The comments come amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Wike openly supporting Tinubu’s re-election despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
During his meeting with the Abuja mechanics and traders, Wike also spoke about a political coalition being developed in the FCT to support Tinubu and other candidates backed by his political camp.
He endorsed former FCT senator Philip Aduda for the Senate and said the coalition would also support candidates for the House of Representatives.
Fayose, however, maintained that the political situation could produce a different outcome from what Wike expects.
The exchange adds to the growing political debate surrounding the FCT and Rivers State ahead of the 2027 presidential election, particularly over the competing political interests and alliances emerging in the two territories.
The election is scheduled for January 16, 2027, according to reports on Wike’s declaration.
