Nigerian businessman and political commentator, Isaac Fayose, has challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his vow to resign if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fails to win the FCT and Rivers State in the 2027 presidential election.
Wike, while addressing the leadership and members of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association in Abuja on Wednesday, reportedly said he would submit his resignation letter on January 17 if Tinubu loses the FCT in the January 16 presidential election.
The statement has sparked reactions on social media, with some users accusing the minister of allegedly planning to influence the outcome of the election.
Reacting in a Facebook post on Thursday, Fayose claimed that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, would defeat Tinubu in both the FCT and Rivers State if the election is free and fair.
Fayose argued that Obi won the FCT in the 2023 presidential election and would perform even better in the 2027 contest.
“Wike, I’m telling you that Abuja is Obi. We won the last time, and this time, we will win more. APC will not get 25 percent in Abuja,” Fayose said.
He also claimed that Rivers State would remain a stronghold for Obi, adding that Wike should not assume that the state belongs to him.
“Rivers State is also Obi. You are not going anywhere. Tinubu is tired; he needs to be retired so that Nigeria can move forward,” he said.
Fayose further warned against any attempt to manipulate the election, saying the outcome would be clear if the process was conducted freely and fairly.
“When they try to rig, we will all see. But if it’s free and fair, they can’t get 21 percent. Wike, Abuja and Rivers are not yours. Look for another job,” he added.
He also accused some individuals of supporting Tinubu’s continued stay in office for personal interests, insisting that Nigerians should be given the opportunity to determine the country’s political future through the ballot.
“It is time to take our country back,” Fayose said.
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