“Campaign Bosses Always Lose at Home!” – Wike Rejects APC Campaign Role to Secure Rivers and Abuja

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has ruled out accepting any appointment as Director-General of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign, warning that running national operations frequently causes politicians to lose control of their home bases.

Reflecting on past election cycles, Wike pointed out a recurring pattern where high-profile campaign managers suffered defeats in their home states while traveling the country to rally support for presidential flagbearers. He referenced former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, who lost Rivers State while heading Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign structure, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who lost Kwara State while directing Atiku Abubakar’s 2019 bid.

The minister also recalled how former governors Aminu Tambuwal and Simon Lalong failed to win Sokoto and Plateau states respectively while managing national campaign councils in 2023. Wike questioned the logic of holding a title when it compromises local political dominance, asking what purpose a campaign director serves if they cannot deliver their own backyard.

Vowing not to fall into the same trap, Wike affirmed that his political strategy centers entirely on delivering maximum votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu across two critical areas: Rivers State and the FCT. For Wike, maintaining grassroot dominance in his key territories far outweighs holding a campaign title.