2031 Presidency: Wike Challenges Critics, Says “What Is Wrong?

The minister spoke on Monday while responding to questions from journalists after inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja. His comments came amid speculation that the Rainbow Coalition associated with him could be part of a political strategy ahead of the 2031 presidential contest.

Wike rejected the claim, describing discussions about positioning for an election several years away as premature. He said those making such assumptions were attempting to determine the future before it arrived.

According to the minister, political calculations for 2031 would depend on circumstances at the time, stressing that being alive and available to participate in future politics was itself uncertain.

“People like taking the position of God. First of all, you have to pray that you are alive. You must pray to God to keep you alive till tomorrow. It is when God keeps you alive that you know what to do,” Wike said.

He further questioned the basis for claims that he was deliberately positioning himself for the presidency, while adding that even if such an ambition eventually emerged, he saw nothing inherently wrong with it.

“How can you be planning 2031 now? Saying that I am positioning myself ahead of the 2031 election is not correct, but assuming it is true, what is wrong?” he asked.

Wike maintained that his immediate political concern was the re-election of Tinubu in 2027. He has also defended the Rainbow Coalition against suggestions that it was designed to destabilise the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying its stated objective was to mobilise support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.

The FCT minister also referred to his participation in the 2022 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary, where he finished second, while questioning where exactly he would be positioning himself for a 2031 contest.

He said political developments between now and 2031 could change considerably and that President Tinubu would also have an interest in the question of who succeeds him after his tenure.

Wike’s comments come amid growing political discussions surrounding the Rainbow Coalition and the 2027 election, with some critics interpreting the initiative as part of a broader political calculation. The minister has rejected that interpretation and maintained that his present focus is supporting Tinubu’s re-election.