Wike Challenges El-Rufai, Bets on Tinubu’s Victory in 2027 Election

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai over his recent prediction that President Bola Tinubu will come third in the 2027 presidential election.

El-Rufai, speaking during a television interview, argued that Tinubu has no clear pathway to victory and forecasted that the president could even miss out on a possible runoff. His remarks stirred debate in political circles, raising questions about the ruling party’s prospects in the next general election.

Wike, however, dismissed the analysis as flawed. Speaking to journalists, he said: “El-Rufai is my friend, but he failed in this mathematics. He goofed; since he knows Tinubu will come third, he should also provide who will be first and second.” He went further, throwing down a bold challenge: “I will place a bet if El-Rufai agrees, if Tinubu doesn’t win the 2027 election securely.”

The exchange has sharpened the political conversation ahead of 2027, with Wike openly backing Tinubu’s chances despite rising criticism of the president’s administration. His remarks also highlight divisions within Nigeria’s political elite, as allies and former party heavyweights trade forecasts about the country’s political future.

While El-Rufai has positioned himself as a strong critic of Tinubu’s electoral viability, Wike has made it clear that he is ready to defend the president’s chances at the ballot box—even wagering on what he believes will be a secure victory.