Wike and APC Governors Face Differences Over 2027 Campaign Structure

Political differences over campaign organisation are emerging ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike at the centre of a debate over how support for President Bola Tinubu should be coordinated.

THISDAY reported on September 21 that Wike is expected to receive a defined role coordinating Tinubu’s campaign structure in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.

The proposed arrangement is reportedly intended to use Wike’s political network while keeping him outside the formal hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress, since he remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. ⁠

The development comes after disagreements between Wike and some APC governors over the organisation of political support for Tinubu.

Wike has promoted the Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party political arrangement that seeks to mobilise support for the president beyond the formal APC structure.

He has argued that politicians can support Tinubu for president while maintaining their own party affiliations and supporting candidates of their choice in state and legislative elections.

However, some APC governors have expressed a different position.

According to THISDAY, the Progressives Governors Forum has opposed political arrangements that could undermine APC candidates or create competing campaign structures.

The disagreement is particularly relevant in Rivers State, where Wike served as governor before becoming FCT minister.

Wike has continued to claim significant political influence in Rivers and has repeatedly said he intends to help secure support for Tinubu there.

The proposed campaign role would apparently focus Wike’s responsibilities on Tinubu’s presidential campaign rather than give him authority over the entire APC organisation in the state.

This distinction could become important as the 2027 election approaches because APC structures will also be working to support the party’s candidates at other levels.

The reported presidential campaign structure includes several senior political figures. Former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari is expected to serve as Director-General, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau are expected to have separate responsibilities.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo is also reportedly being considered for a prominent spokesperson position.

Wike’s support for Tinubu dates back to the 2023 presidential election, when he was part of the G5 group of PDP governors that refused to back Atiku Abubakar.

Tinubu later appointed Wike as FCT minister, making him one of the most prominent opposition-party politicians serving in the federal cabinet.

The reported campaign arrangement has not yet been presented as a formal appointment by the presidency or APC.