2027: Tinubu, Wike understand Nigerian politics better than others – Adebayo

Senior Advocate of Nigeria says deputy governors seeking political shortcuts must focus on grassroots mobilisation and building support for their preferred candidates

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo, has described President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the two politicians who best understand the dynamics of Nigerian politics, arguing that electoral success requires strategic mobilisation rather than reliance on shortcuts.

Adebayo made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television, where he discussed the political manoeuvres and calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the legal practitioner, Tinubu and Wike have demonstrated over time that they understand how political power is acquired, maintained and deployed within Nigeria’s democratic system.

“Looking at our democratic experience, we have two real politicians, the President himself and Minister Wike. Over time, they have demonstrated that they understand the game of politics,” Adebayo said.

He argued that some deputy governors seeking political victories ahead of the next elections appeared to be looking for an easy route to electoral success, rather than undertaking the political groundwork required to secure the support of voters.

“Deputy governors are looking for an easy route to victory, but that is not possible,” he said.

The senior lawyer maintained that political success cannot be guaranteed simply by occupying a prominent government position or relying on existing political relationships.

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He suggested that politicians seeking electoral victories must mobilise supporters, consolidate their political structures and ensure that loyalists actively work towards their candidates’ success.

Adebayo also explained that Wike’s expectations of political allies were centred on their ability to mobilise supporters and loyalists in their respective states to back candidates they had chosen to support.

“All Minister Wike wants from them is to mobilise their supporters and loyalists to back their candidates in their respective states,” he said.

His comments highlight the importance of grassroots political structures, loyal party supporters and coordinated mobilisation in determining electoral outcomes.

As political actors begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections, alliances between influential politicians, serving government officials and local political leaders are expected to remain significant factors in the contest for elective offices.

Tinubu, Wike’s Political Influence Ahead of 2027

Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor and longtime political strategist, has built a reputation for political coalition-building and the cultivation of alliances across different regions and political interests.

His emergence as president in 2023 followed years of political organisation, party negotiations and electoral campaigning.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has also remained an influential figure in national politics. Despite belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he accepted appointment as FCT minister under Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, a development that has shaped political alignments ahead of the next general elections.

His political position has generated debate within the PDP, particularly over his relationship with the party’s leadership and his support for the Tinubu administration.

The minister’s influence in Rivers State and his involvement in national political discussions have also kept him at the centre of conversations about alliances and power calculations ahead of 2027.

Adebayo’s assessment suggests that understanding political strategy, maintaining loyal support networks and mobilising voters are essential elements of electoral success.

However, the outcome of the 2027 elections will ultimately depend on voters, party nominations, campaign performance, electoral rules and the credibility of the voting process.