The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lere Olayinka, has dismissed the possibility of the opposition defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Olayinka argued that the opposition parties lack the political structures, organisational strength and unity required to mount a serious challenge against the incumbent President.
He maintained that Tinubu’s chances of securing re-election were strong, describing the forthcoming presidential contest as one that would be considerably easier for the President than the 2023 election.
According to the presidential minister’s aide, the opposition’s internal disagreements and inability to establish a coordinated political platform have weakened its chances ahead of the election.
WIKE’S AIDE QUESTIONS OPPOSITION’S ELECTORAL STRENGTH
Speaking during a television interview, Olayinka defended his principal, Nyesom Wike, over his open support for Tinubu despite remaining a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He argued that Wike had never concealed his political position and had consistently declared his intention to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Olayinka described the minister’s position as an honest political decision, insisting that it would be unfair to accuse him of betraying the PDP when he had openly communicated his support for the President.
He further questioned whether all the presidential candidates expected to participate in the 2027 election were genuinely contesting with the intention of winning.
According to him, some candidates might simply be participating to establish their political presence rather than because they have the structures necessary to secure victory.
ADC, NNPP AND OTHER PARTIES FACE CHALLENGES
The minister’s aide also questioned the electoral preparedness of opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
He argued that winning a presidential election requires more than announcing candidates or forming political alliances.
Olayinka emphasised the importance of having functional party structures, grassroots mobilisation and agents capable of protecting votes across polling units.
He referenced Nigeria’s 176,846 polling units, arguing that opposition parties would struggle to compete effectively without adequate personnel and organisational capacity.
He also questioned the electoral performance of some opposition figures, using their previous election results to challenge claims that they could defeat Tinubu in 2027.
WIKE REMAINS COMMITTED TO TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION
Olayinka maintained that Wike’s support for Tinubu was based on his assessment of the President’s political performance and the administration’s development agenda.
He insisted that the FCT minister had made his position clear long before the PDP settled on its presidential candidate.
The aide also dismissed criticism of Wike’s political alignment, arguing that the minister had chosen to make his position public rather than secretly work against the President’s re-election.
Wike, who served as Rivers State governor between 2015 and 2023, was appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory by Tinubu in August 2023.
Despite retaining his membership of the PDP, he has continued to express support for the APC-led administration and Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
2027 PRESIDENTIAL RACE GATHERS MOMENTUM
Political activities are gradually intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition politicians exploring alliances and alternative platforms to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, Olayinka believes the opposition’s internal divisions and organisational weaknesses give Tinubu a significant advantage.
He maintained that the President’s re-election prospects would be determined by his administration’s performance and the ability of the ruling party to consolidate its political support.
The comments reflect the confidence within Wike’s political camp that the opposition will struggle to present a sufficiently coordinated challenge to Tinubu in 2027.
