Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reacted to his exclusion from the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections.

The former Rivers State governor said his priority is to deliver the state and the FCT for President Bola Tinubu rather than seek a position in the campaign structure.

Wike spoke while inspecting ongoing road projects in the Apo/Karish and Kubwa-Bwari areas of Abuja.

During the inspection, Wike explained why he had deliberately avoided serving as Director-General of presidential campaign organisations in previous elections.

According to the minister, holding the position of campaign Director-General does not necessarily translate into electoral success, particularly if the person is unable to deliver his or her home state to the presidential candidate.

Wike said his experience of Nigerian politics had shown that several politicians who occupied top campaign positions eventually lost the states where they exercised political influence.

He cited the 2015 presidential election, when former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi served as Director-General of the campaign that produced Muhammadu Buhari as President but was unable to deliver Rivers State to the APC candidate.

The minister also recalled that Amaechi, who later became Minister of Transportation, again served as campaign Director-General in 2019 but failed to deliver Rivers State.

Wike further referred to former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who headed the presidential campaign of Atiku Abubakar in 2019 but lost Kwara State and his senatorial seat during the election.

He also cited former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who served as Director-General of Atiku’s campaign in 2023 but lost Sokoto State, as well as former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, who served as Director-General of the APC presidential campaign but could not deliver Plateau State.

The FCT minister said the examples demonstrated the importance of concentrating on one’s political base instead of being carried away by campaign titles.

“What’s important is that you are able to deliver those two states. So it’s not about being DG. If you’re DG and you don’t win your state, what’s the essence of the DG?” Wike said.

“I don’t want to lose my state,” he added.

Wike maintained that politics was essentially local and that anyone aspiring to occupy a major political position must first prove his ability to win elections in his immediate political environment.

“If you cannot deliver the President in your state, how will you say you want an election? If you lose your own state, even if you’re DG, you’ll be ashamed,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor also made it clear that his support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 did not depend on his membership of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

Wike is not a member of the APC but was one of the prominent opposition figures who supported Tinubu’s emergence in the 2023 presidential election despite belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said he and his political allies did not need to become members of the APC before working for Tinubu in 2023 and would adopt a similar approach in the 2027 election.

According to him, the political arrangement would continue through the emerging “Rainbow Coalition”, which he said would bring together politicians and political groups from different parties in support of Tinubu.

Wike cited the example of Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, who, according to him, could support Tinubu for the presidency while seeking re-election to the Senate under the PDP.

The minister argued that membership of the APC Presidential Campaign Council should therefore not be regarded as the only measure of support for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid.

He said he would continue to concentrate on Rivers State and the FCT, where he claimed to have significant political influence and responsibility.

“There’s nothing like the APC Campaign Director in Rivers State election. I’m the one that’s in charge. I’m also the one that’s in charge of FCT,” Wike said.

He stressed that the ultimate objective was to secure victory for Tinubu rather than pursue a title within the campaign council.

His comments came shortly after Tinubu constituted the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, appointing former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, as Director-General.

The council was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Under the structure, Tinubu will serve as Chairman of the campaign council, while Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, will serve as Vice Chairmen.

Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State and a prominent APC figure, will coordinate the campaign as Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma will serve as Secretary.

The APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, was appointed Deputy Secretary, while Hadiza Bala-Usman will serve as Assistant Secretary.

The campaign council also includes several senior political figures as advisers to Tinubu, including former APC National Chairman Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba, former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu and Senator Florence Ita Giwa.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni were appointed Deputy Directors-General for the southern and northern parts of the country.

Lagos is set to erupt this Sunday as the Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup comes to a thrilling close. Football legends, fans, and dignitaries will converge on the city for a grand finale that promises nostalgia, entertainment, and purpose all in one package.

All the action will take place at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday, 23rd August. The venue, known for producing some of Nigeria’s finest talents, will host two blockbuster games that will bring back memories of the golden eras of Nigerian football.

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The day kicks off with the third place match at 12pm between FC Okpara and FC Alloy. It’s a battle of pride and bragging rights, as both teams look to finish the tournament on a high and give fans a taste of classic Nigerian grit and skill.

Then comes the main event. The Final at 3pm will see FC Babington take on FC Enegwea in what is expected to be a pulsating encounter. Expect fireworks, tactical battles, and moments of magic from players who once carried the nation’s hopes.

Leading FC Babington is Bode Babington, a former Nigerian professional goalkeeper. He notably featured for Stationery Stores FC and Julius Berger FC, and represented Nigeria at the youth international level, including the 1995 Africa Youth Championship. His leadership between the sticks made him a fan favorite in the local league.

On the other side, FC Enegwea mentored by Taiwo Enegwea. He played for Lagos YSFON, Eagle Oil, First Bank and Union Bank, and climbed through the ranks to represent Nigeria at the U17, U20 and senior level. A true product of grassroots football, Taiwo embodies the pathway the Bet9ja Foundation is working to strengthen.

FC Alloy draws its name and inspiration from Alloy Agu, a former Nigerian goalkeeper and a key part of the golden generation of the late 1980s and 1990s. Agu represented Nigeria at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and was in the squad for the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA. After playing in Nigeria and in Belgium with RFC Liège, he transitioned into coaching and has served as goalkeepers’ coach for the Super Eagles.

FC Okpara honors Godwin Okpara, a former defender who rose to prominence in the 1990s. He enjoyed a successful club career in Europe with Paris Saint-Germain and later RC Strasbourg, where he was known for his strength, versatility, and consistency. Okpara also earned caps for the Super Eagles and remains active in football and community development after retirement.

Beyond the scores and trophies, the Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup is about impact. The initiative supports ex-internationals with welfare programs, medical assistance, and mentorship for young players. It’s a reminder that the legends who gave us unforgettable moments are still giving back to the game.