Lere Olayinka, media aide to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 presidential election are stronger than they were in 2023, citing his political alliances and record in office.
Olayinka made the statement during an interview on TVC’s Breakfast on Monday, arguing that Tinubu’s political strategy had helped him attract influential opposition figures to his administration.
According to him, the president’s political reach and performance in governance have made the 2027 election less challenging than the 2023 contest.
“The reason this election of 2027 will be a one-way election is because of the performance of the president in terms of national development and his performance in terms of politics, because this election is going to be the easiest,” Olayinka said.
“It will be much easier for the president than the 2023 election. That is a fact that most people are not willing to accept.”
Olayinka specifically highlighted Wike’s continued cooperation with the Tinubu administration despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He argued that Wike could have played a more significant role in mobilising support for the PDP ahead of 2027 if he had not chosen to work with Tinubu.
“If Wike was not working with the president, probably he would have been galvanizing more support for the PDP. Now he is not. The president has been able to bring him and other people to himself,” he said.
The FCT minister’s aide also cited the potential impact of other political figures supporting different parties ahead of the 2027 election, mentioning Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
“Imagine Alex Otti also pushing Labour Party presidential candidate. Imagine Adeleke pushing Accord Party presidential candidate. Imagine Wike is pushing that of PDP,” he said.
Olayinka maintained that Tinubu’s willingness to work with politicians across party lines had strengthened his political position while making it more difficult for the opposition to mobilise effectively.
“By being open, by bringing people to himself, he (Tinubu) has been able to make governance easier. He has also been able to make politics easier for himself,” Olayinka said.
