Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has criticised comments by former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may not make it to top two contenders in the 2027 presidential election.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a weekend interview, El-Rufai argued that Tinubu’s chances of re-election were slim, claiming the president might not go beyond third place.
He further predicted that the election may end as run-off, as no candidate may secure the required majority in the first ballot.
Reacting on Monday, Wike said ElRufai’s analysis lacked logic, questioning how he could declare a third-place finish without stating who would take the first and second positions.
He said, “El-Rufai is my friend, but he failed in this mathematics, he goofed; he should have completed it, since he knows Tinubu would come third, he should also provide who would be first and second.”
“How did he arrive at who will be third and you don’t arrive at who will be first and second? One thing I like about El-Rufai is that he speaks his mind, but sometimes speaking your mind, say the one that is correct.”
Wike went on to express confidence in Tinubu’s victory saying, “In this one, I will put a bet, if he agrees, that Tinubu will win this election squarely.”
The minister also dismissed comparisons to former president Goodluck Jonathan’s failed 2015 re-election bid, which El-Rufai had referenced.
He said, “ said they should go and ask Jonathan. No two persons are the same. The mere fact that you were able to succeed in that does not mean you can do that [again].”
“We are also here too. So, as I am sitting down here, do I look like someone you can come and win Rivers state from? It is not possible.”
