In a fiery and candid appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), issued a stern warning to political actors urging former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election. Wike described such calls as a deliberate ploy to destabilize Nigeria and plunge the nation into a political crisis. His remarks, delivered with his characteristic bluntness, have sparked widespread debate, reigniting discussions about Nigeria’s fragile political landscape, the legacy of past administrations, and the ongoing economic challenges under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Wike’s Critique: A Plot to Undermine Stability
Wike’s central argument during the interview was that the sudden clamor for Jonathan to return to the presidency is not only hypocritical but also a calculated move to disrupt Nigeria’s political equilibrium. He pointed out that many of those now championing Jonathan’s candidacy are the same individuals who actively worked against him during his 2015 re-election bid. At the time, Jonathan, representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), faced significant opposition from within and outside his party, culminating in his defeat by Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike argued that these same political figures, having abandoned Jonathan a decade ago, are now attempting to exploit his reputation as an international statesman for their own agendas.
“Anybody saying Jonathan should return because he will only do one term is only looking for crisis,” Wike stated emphatically. “These are the same people who abandoned him in 2015. Why now? Jonathan has made a name for himself globally, and they just want to drag him into unnecessary conflict.”
Wike’s assertion that Jonathan’s potential candidacy is being framed as a “one-term presidency” refers to the constitutional limit that would restrict Jonathan to a single additional term if he were to run in 2027. Nigeria’s constitution allows a president to serve a maximum of two four-year terms, whether consecutive or non-consecutive. Having served one term from 2010 to 2015 (including completing the term of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua), Jonathan would be eligible for only one more term. Wike argued that promoting this narrative is a deceptive tactic, designed to appeal to voters in the South while sowing discord in the North, which has historically been sensitive to issues of regional power rotation.
The minister’s warning reflects deeper concerns about Nigeria’s delicate political balance, particularly the unwritten but widely acknowledged principle of power rotation between the country’s northern and southern regions. This principle, though not enshrined in the constitution, has been a guiding factor in Nigerian politics since the return to democracy in 1999. President Tinubu, a southerner from the Southwest, is currently serving his first term, which began in 2023. Calls for another southerner, such as Jonathan from the South-South, to succeed him could be perceived as a violation of this rotational agreement, potentially inflaming tensions in the North.
Wike cautioned that such moves are “insincere” and risk destabilizing the country by reigniting regional rivalries. He suggested that those pushing for Jonathan’s candidacy are less interested in national unity than in advancing their own political interests, possibly to weaken Tinubu’s administration or to position themselves for future relevance. “They are not doing this for Jonathan or for Nigeria,” Wike said. “They are doing it for themselves, and they know it.”
Jonathan’s Legacy and Global Standing
To fully understand Wike’s position, it is worth examining Goodluck Jonathan’s political journey and his current standing. Jonathan rose to national prominence in 2007 when he was selected as the running mate to President Umaru Yar’Adua. Following Yar’Adua’s death in 2010, Jonathan assumed the presidency, first as acting president and later as the substantive president. He won a full term in 2011 but faced significant challenges during his tenure, including security threats posed by the Boko Haram insurgency, economic difficulties, and allegations of corruption within his administration.
Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat to Buhari in 2015, before the final results were announced, earned him widespread respect both domestically and internationally. His peaceful handover of power was seen as a rare and commendable act in African politics, where incumbents often cling to power. Since leaving office, Jonathan has carved out a niche as a global advocate for democracy and good governance, serving as a mediator in several African elections and leading international observer missions. His work with organizations like the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has solidified his reputation as a statesman of international repute.
Wike’s reference to Jonathan’s global standing underscores the minister’s belief that dragging the former president back into Nigeria’s contentious political arena would tarnish his legacy. “Jonathan has made a name for himself globally,” Wike reiterated. “Why bring him back to face the same people who betrayed him? This is not about Jonathan; it’s about their own selfish interests.”
Tinubu’s Administration: Tough Decisions Amid Hardship
Beyond his comments on Jonathan, Wike used the platform to address the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, acknowledging the economic hardships currently facing Nigerians. Since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu has implemented a series of bold but controversial economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalization of the foreign exchange market. These policies have led to skyrocketing inflation, a weakened naira, and increased living costs, sparking widespread discontent among Nigerians.
Wike did not shy away from acknowledging these challenges. “Yes, there is hardship. I agree,” he said candidly. However, he defended Tinubu’s policies as necessary for long-term economic recovery, arguing that the president has taken “tough but necessary decisions” to reposition Nigeria’s economy. He pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects in the FCT as evidence of progress, stating, “I see the projects in Abuja daily; they are evidence that something is happening.”
The minister’s remarks reflect a broader narrative within the APC that Tinubu’s reforms, while painful in the short term, are essential for addressing systemic issues inherited from previous administrations. For instance, the removal of fuel subsidies, which had long been a drain on Nigeria’s finances, was intended to free up resources for investment in critical sectors like infrastructure and healthcare. Similarly, the unification of exchange rates was aimed at attracting foreign investment and reducing distortions in the economy. However, these policies have yet to yield tangible benefits for the average Nigerian, leading to growing frustration.
Wike’s defense of Tinubu’s administration also highlights his role as a key ally of the president. As the FCT minister, Wike has overseen significant infrastructure development in Abuja, including road construction, urban renewal projects, and improvements in public facilities. His emphasis on visible projects in the capital city serves as a counterpoint to critics who argue that the administration has little to show for its reforms. By highlighting these achievements, Wike seeks to reassure Nigerians that the government is working to improve their lives, even if the results are not yet fully apparent.
A Jab at Atiku: Hypocrisy or Political Point-Scoring?
Wike also took aim at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, dismissing his recent warnings about a potential revolution driven by hunger and poverty. Atiku, the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, has been vocal in criticizing Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that they have exacerbated poverty and could lead to social unrest. In response, Wike accused Atiku of hypocrisy, pointing out that the former vice president served for eight years under President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007) without laying the groundwork to address systemic issues like hunger.
“Atiku was vice president for eight years. Why didn’t he lay the foundation to prevent hunger then?” Wike asked rhetorically. “Now he keeps talking about hunger and revolution. For me, I don’t even bother reading what he says, because there is no truth in it.”
Wike’s remarks reflect the deep-seated rivalry between him and Atiku, which dates back to their time in the PDP. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent PDP figure, clashed with Atiku during the party’s 2022 presidential primary, where Atiku emerged as the candidate. Wike’s subsequent decision to work with Tinubu and accept a ministerial position in the APC-led government was seen as a betrayal by some PDP loyalists, further fueling tensions between the two men.
By dismissing Atiku’s warnings, Wike sought to undermine the former vice president’s credibility while positioning himself as a defender of Tinubu’s administration. However, his comments also highlight the broader challenge facing Nigeria’s political class: how to address the growing discontent among citizens without resorting to populist rhetoric or exploiting economic hardships for political gain.
The Broader Context: Nigeria’s Political and Economic Challenges
Wike’s interview comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with multiple crises, including economic stagnation, insecurity, and political polarization. The country’s inflation rate, which reached a 28-year high of 34.19% in June 2024, has eroded purchasing power, making basic goods and services unaffordable for many Nigerians. The removal of fuel subsidies has driven petrol prices from ₦200 per liter in early 2023 to over ₦1,000 in some regions, further exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis. Meanwhile, insecurity, including banditry in the Northwest and separatist agitations in the Southeast, continues to undermine national stability.
Against this backdrop, Wike’s call for patience with the Tinubu administration reflects the government’s broader strategy of appealing for time to implement its reforms. However, this message is a hard sell for a population weary of unfulfilled promises and accustomed to economic hardship. The minister’s acknowledgment of the challenges, coupled with his insistence on progress, is an attempt to strike a balance between empathy and optimism.
At the same time, Wike’s warning about the dangers of a Jonathan candidacy underscores the fragility of Nigeria’s political system. The country’s history is replete with examples of political maneuvers that have exacerbated regional and ethnic tensions. The annulment of the 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola, a southerner, led to years of political instability. Similarly, the death of President Yar’Adua in 2010 sparked a constitutional crisis over the transfer of power to Jonathan, a southerner, raising concerns in the North about the disruption of the rotational presidency.
Wike’s reference to a potential crisis suggests that he views the current political climate as equally volatile. By framing the calls for Jonathan’s candidacy as a deliberate attempt to provoke unrest, he is appealing to Nigerians to prioritize stability over short-term political gains. However, his remarks also risk alienating those who genuinely believe that Jonathan’s experience and temperament make him a viable candidate for 2027.
Implications for 2027 and Beyond
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, Wike’s comments highlight the complex dynamics that will shape the contest. The issue of power rotation remains a contentious one, with northern leaders already signaling their intention to reclaim the presidency after Tinubu’s term. Any attempt to field a southern candidate, whether Jonathan or another figure, could be seen as a breach of this informal agreement, potentially leading to political unrest.
Moreover, Wike’s defense of Tinubu’s administration and his attack on opposition figures like Atiku underscore the deepening divide between the APC and the PDP. While the APC seeks to consolidate its hold on power, the PDP and other opposition parties are likely to intensify their criticism of the government’s handling of the economy and security. This polarization could further erode public trust in the political system, making it harder for leaders to address the country’s pressing challenges.
For Jonathan, the renewed calls for his candidacy present both an opportunity and a dilemma. On one hand, his global reputation and track record of peaceful leadership make him an attractive figure for those disillusioned with the current political class. On the other hand, re-entering Nigeria’s volatile political arena could jeopardize his legacy and expose him to the same criticisms and betrayals he faced in 2015.
Conclusion
Nyesom Wike’s remarks on “Politics Today” have brought to the fore critical issues facing Nigeria as it navigates a challenging economic and political landscape. His warning about the dangers of a Jonathan candidacy reflects broader concerns about stability and the manipulation of regional sentiments for political gain. At the same time, his defense of Tinubu’s reforms and his dismissal of Atiku’s warnings underscore the contentious nature of Nigeria’s political discourse.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the debates sparked by Wike’s comments are likely to intensify, with profound implications for Nigeria’s future. Whether the country can overcome its current challenges and maintain political stability will depend on the ability of its leaders to prioritize the national interest over personal ambitions. For now, Wike’s message is clear: Nigeria cannot afford to be dragged into a crisis by those seeking to exploit its vulnerabilities for political gain.
