2027: Rufai Oseni warns Tinubu over Wike, says minister could ‘talk’ if they fall out

By Stanley Onyekwere

Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has cautioned President Bola Tinubu to be careful in managing his political relationship with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warning that the former Rivers State governor could publicly disclose details of their dealings if their alliance breaks down.

Oseni gave the warning while reacting to Wike’s recent claim that he could become a target of opposition politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, should Tinubu lose the 2027 presidential election.

Wike, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has continued to openly support Tinubu’s bid for a second term.

Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Thursday, monitored in Abuja, Oseni questioned why Wike appeared concerned about possible retaliation from Atiku and Obi, arguing that he should have no reason to fear a “witch hunt” if he was confident about the decisions he made while in office.

He specifically questioned whether Wike’s concerns were linked to his alleged role in preventing Atiku from campaigning in Rivers State during the 2023 presidential election.

Oseni also referred to Wike’s political history, arguing that the minister had previously fallen out with political allies and associates.

According to him, this history should make Tinubu cautious about the nature of his relationship with the FCT minister.

“The person I pity the most in all of this is President Tinubu, because you see how Wike is revealing everything now,” Oseni said.

He warned that should Tinubu and Wike eventually part ways, the minister could publicly disclose details about their relationship.

“The day he quickly falls out with President Tinubu, this Wike will talk, and he will talk very well,” he said.

Oseni urged Tinubu to ensure that whatever political arrangements exist between him and Wike are matters that could withstand public scrutiny.

He also recalled Wike’s previous criticism of godfatherism, particularly during the political crisis surrounding former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, when Wike criticised Tinubu’s influence in Lagos politics.

“This was the same Wike… he told him that we don’t allow godfathers in Rivers. You were talking to President Tinubu then, now you people are aligning,” Oseni said.

The television anchor said his comments were informed by what he described as Wike’s past political relationships, noting that some individuals who were once close to the minister are no longer on speaking terms with him.

Wike’s political relationship with Atiku has remained strained since the 2022 PDP presidential primary, which Atiku won ahead of the then Rivers State governor.

Oseni’s comments come amid heightened political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Wike remaining one of the most prominent PDP figures openly backing Tinubu’s re-election bid.