Wike Slams El-Rufai Over 2027 Poll Prediction: ‘What Maths Are You Using?

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s prediction that President Bola Tinubu would lose the 2027 presidential election.

El-Rufai, in a recent national TV interview, claimed that “Tinubu will come third in the 2027 election. I have done my maths, and I can tell you Tinubu has no pathway to win. The worst-case scenario is that there will not be any winner in the first ballot.”

Speaking to the media in Abuja, Wike dismissed El-Rufai’s projection as fundamentally flawed. He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects and even offered to “bet” on the incumbent’s victory in 2027.

“I can place a bet with confidence that President Bola Tinubu will win the 2027 presidential election,” Wike said.

He further challenged El-Rufai’s claim, asking, “I heard someone say Mr. President will come third in 2027. I don’t know the maths he used. But my concern is, if he (Tinubu) will come third, who will come first and second?”

Wike also argued that the political landscape has changed significantly since the 2023 elections, reducing potential threats. He specifically downplayed the influence of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, who secured over six million votes in 2023.

“Let me tell you, in 2027, Peter Obi will not be a threat to President Tinubu. I know what I am saying. Peter Obi had over six million votes in 2023, but the political dynamics will be different in 2027,” Wike stated.