ABUJA, Nigeria — Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, has criticised Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna, over his recent comments suggesting that President Bola Tinubu could only place third in the 2027 presidential election.
El-Rufai, in an interview on Sunday, August 31, 2025, said Tinubu had “no clear path to re-election,” predicting that the president might finish in third place if the polls went to two rounds.
Responding on Monday, September 1, 2025, Wike dismissed the assessment as flawed.
“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,” Wike told journalists.
He acknowledged el-Rufai’s reputation for candour but urged greater accuracy in his commentary.
“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 said.
The minister expressed confidence in Tinubu’s chances in 2027.
“In this one, I will put a bet, if he agrees, that Tinubu will win this election squarely,” he said.
Wike also dismissed comparisons el-Rufai made to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s political trajectory, saying circumstances differ.
“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],” he said.
Asserting his influence in Rivers politics, Wike added: “So, as I am sitting down here, do I look like someone you can come and win Rivers state from? It is not possible.”
