FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has told Peter Obi that he does not have what it takes to win the 2027 presidential election, urging him to leave the race to President Bola Tinubu and preparefor 2031 instead.

Wike made the remarks in an interview on Journalists Hangout, where he questioned how the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate could possibly win in South South states such as Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Delta. He asked how Obi would win in each of them, and dismissed the idea that Obi currently has the support needed for victory.

The minister argued that the political situation has changed since Obi’s strong showing in 2023. He told the interviewers that they were quick to carry propaganda, said he agreed with them at that time, and insisted that this is no longer the case. According to him, Obi does not have it and will not have it, and that, he said, is the truth of the matter.

The comments continue a run of pointed statements from the minister about the 2027 race. About three weeks ago, at a media chat in Port Harcourt, Wike said Atiku Abubakar and Obi would come for his head if Tinubu loses, which he gave as the reason he would not sit back while the president faces defeat. Obi has since replied that he would not use the presidency to pursue opponents or settle personal scores.

The remarks also come amid pressure on Obi from both directions. A pro Tinubu campaign group has said it plans to meet Igbo leaders to persuade him to withdraw and back the president’s second term bid, while an Igbo group has responded that Tinubu should instead step down for Obi. Obi is running on a joint ticket with Rabiu Kwankwaso.