Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has disagreed with Nasir El-Rufai’s forecast that President Bola Tinubu could finish third in the 2027 presidential election.
Wike expressed confidence that the incumbent president would secure a decisive victory when Nigerians head to the polls.
Speaking during an interview with TVC, Wike questioned the basis of El-Rufai’s prediction, suggesting that his assessment of the political situation might not be more accurate than his own calculations.
He also highlighted their different professional backgrounds, pointing out that El-Rufai trained as a quantity surveyor, while he studied political science.
The former Rivers governor further argued that his long experience in Nigerian politics gives him sufficient knowledge to assess electoral developments and the chances of major political contenders. According to him, his involvement in political activities spans a longer period than El-Rufai’s.
Wike maintained that Tinubu has a strong chance of winning the 2027 presidential contest by a wide margin. He dismissed the possibility of a second round of voting, insisting that the president would defeat potential challengers, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
He also challenged Nigerians to consider whether El-Rufai’s political calculations should automatically be accepted as the most reliable prediction.
Wike’s remarks have added another dimension to the growing political debate surrounding the 2027 presidential election, as prominent figures continue to express contrasting opinions about the possible outcome.