Rufai Oseni Alleges Wike Is Positioning for 2031 Presidential Race

Rufai Oseni, an anchor on Arise Television's Morning Show, has alleged that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is positioning himself for the 2031 presidential election. Oseni made the claim while discussing the recent disagreement between Wike and several governors elected under the All Progressives Congress. According to Oseni, President Bola Tinubu would be hesitant to escalate the dispute because of his political interests before the next election. Oseni said he knows the country well, adding that Tinubu would not upset the political balance. He stated that Tinubu would instead try to offer a gloomier response to settle the matter between Wike and the governors, since Tinubu is seeking electoral victory. Oseni said Tinubu's approach was meant to retain Wike's support ahead of the election, while adding that the President could still respond to some concerns that the FCT minister had raised. Oseni also stated that Wike's most significant political struggle would come after the elections, especially concerning the future of the Peoples Democratic Party. He said the actual tussle would take place once elections had produced winners and losers. He questioned how Wike would try to rebuild the PDP after claims that he had weakened the party and backed one of its factions. Oseni said Wike is playing a game, insisting that Wike harbours presidential ambitions. He noted that Wike was a candidate in the previous election cycle and described his actions as a calculated move to prepare for the coming eight years, when power is expected to return to the South. Oseni also said Wike's age might prove beneficial in his reported political calculations, adding that age is on Wike's side in the political game he is engaged in.