Proposed arrangement seeks to define the FCT minister’s role while avoiding clashes with APC governors and campaign officials.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is expected to coordinate President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign structures in Rivers State and the FCT, according to sources cited by THISDAY.
The proposed arrangement would give Wike a defined responsibility in the two territories while allowing him to retain his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike has repeatedly stated that he supports Tinubu’s re-election but does not need membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) or a position in its Presidential Campaign Council to mobilise support.
In September, he said his Rainbow Coalition was focused on supporting Tinubu’s presidential bid rather than helping candidates win state-level elections.
Yari, Akpabio and Barau Roles
According to the report, former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari is expected to serve as Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau may operate through separate lines of responsibility rather than report directly to Yari.
The proposed structure is reportedly intended to accommodate different political interests and prevent overlapping authority within the campaign.
Wike and APC Governors Disagree
The arrangement comes amid disagreements between Wike and some APC governors over the Rainbow Coalition and control of political structures.
APC governors, led by Progressive Governors Forum Chairman Hope Uzodimma, have opposed political arrangements they believe could weaken the party or undermine its candidates.
The dispute has continued despite Wike’s stated support for Tinubu’s re-election. The APC Presidential Campaign Council has urged Tinubu to intervene in the disagreement.
Keyamo Tipped for Campaign Spokesperson Role
The report also identifies Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo as a possible spokesperson for Tinubu’s 2027 campaign.
Keyamo previously served in a communications role during Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign and held a senior communications position during Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election campaign.
The proposed campaign structure has not been formally announced in the report.
