Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will have an easier victory in the 2027 presidential election than he did in 2023.
Wike made the statement on Monday while speaking during an inspection tour of areas affected by flooding in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Wike attributed Tinubu’s projected advantage to what he described as a weakened and fragmented opposition ahead of the 2027 election.
He said a strong opposition should have a stable political structure and spend years preparing for elections, rather than moving from one political party to another in search of an electoral platform.
“This election, the 2027 election, will be the easiest election for Mr President. 2023 was a tough election for him,” Wike said.
The former Rivers State governor maintained that recent defections and political movements among opposition politicians had weakened their ability to mount a credible challenge against the Tinubu administration.
He also dismissed criticism from opposition politicians and commentators, saying media appearances would not erase what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration.
Wike said although the government had not solved all the country’s problems, it had made progress in addressing major challenges.
“That does not mean I claim that we have solved all problems, no. Are we solving problems? Yes. Have we solved major problems? Yes. Will we continue to solve problems? Yes,” he said.
On the flooding situation in the FCT, Wike warned that the administration would take firm action against buildings constructed on waterways and drainage channels.
He directed officials of the FCT Development Control Department to demolish structures obstructing waterways, regardless of the status of their owners.
“I’m going to bring those houses down! Any house that’s found on the water channel will go down!” the minister declared.
Wike also warned that the enforcement would continue irrespective of the approaching 2027 elections, stressing that political considerations would not prevent the government from protecting residents and infrastructure.
He further condemned the conversion of designated green areas in Abuja into commercial parks and other developments, insisting that illegal developments would not be allowed to continue.
The minister assured residents that desilting and other measures would continue in flood prone areas, including Lokogoma and the Yakubu Gowon Crescent axis in Asokoro.
He also urged residents to support the government’s efforts by disposing of waste properly and avoiding activities capable of blocking drainage channels.
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