Wike’s political moves point to long-term ambition – Rufai Oseni

By Musa Baba Adamu

Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has attributed FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s recent political manoeuvring to what he described as a long-term presidential ambition, arguing that the minister may be positioning himself for a future presidential contest.

Oseni made the claim on Monday while analyzing the reported disagreement between Wike and some governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the television anchor, President Bola Tinubu may be reluctant to allow the disagreement with Wike to escalate because of the political calculations surrounding the 2027 presidential election.

You see, I know this country too well. President Tinubu will never rock the boat,” Oseni said, arguing that the President would seek to manage the disagreement while protecting his political interests ahead of the election.

He said the President could still address some of the issues raised by Wike while maintaining the political relationship between them.

Oseni, however, suggested that the more significant political contest involving Wike could emerge after the 2027 elections, particularly over the direction and future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“But you see, where the real tussle will be is after elections have been won or lost,” he said.

The broadcaster questioned how Wike would seek to rebuild or influence the PDP after his role in the party’s internal divisions and his support for a faction within the opposition party.

Oseni further argued that Wike’s political activities should be viewed as part of a longer-term strategy.

“All of this Wike is playing, forget it, he has presidential ambitions,” he said, adding that Wike had previously contested the PDP presidential primary and could be positioning himself for a future opportunity.

He specifically linked Wike’s alleged calculations to a possible return of presidential power to the South in a future election cycle, suggesting that the minister could be laying the groundwork for such an eventual contest.

Oseni also pointed to Wike’s age as a factor in his analysis of the minister’s long-term political prospects.

The comments come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general election and continuing debates over Wike’s relationship with the APC administration, the PDP and emerging political alignments.

Wike himself has recently dismissed speculation about his immediate presidential ambitions, saying his current political priority is supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. His comments about any future contest beyond 2027 have emphasized that political decisions would depend on circumstances at the time.