2027 Alignments: Wike, Okpebholo, Oshiomhole and the Growing Web of Political Partnerships

-



By Nwafor Oji Awala

As political forces continue to reconfigure ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, the public commissioning of a revamped mass transit system in Edo State became more than just a developmental milestone—it served as a platform for the deepening of political alliances and subtle campaign signals.

On Wednesday, July 22, 2025, in Benin City, FCT Minister and former Rivers State Governor, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State for what he described as focused and purposeful leadership. Wike, however, didn’t stop at praising development. His remarks revealed a growing bond between key political actors who are visibly positioning themselves for 2027.


Wike, a known political tactician, praised Governor Okpebholo for not being distracted by post-election litigations, drawing parallels with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's swift action after assuming office. “The moment Mr. President was inaugurated, he hit the ground running. That is what Senator Okpebholo has done in Edo,” Wike stated, suggesting alignment not only in governance style but also in political loyalty.

This event also signaled a reunion of old political foes. Wike used the opportunity to offer a public apology to former Edo Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and the people of Edo State for backing Godwin Obaseki in the 2020 elections. The apology, laced with regret and political reconciliation, points to a recalibrated alliance built on shared interests ahead of future contests.


Governor Okpebholo, riding on the momentum of his Supreme Court victory and President Tinubu’s backing, used the event to restate his loyalty to the ruling APC and vowed that Edo State will deliver “2.5 million votes to President Tinubu in 2027.” That declaration, in the presence of heavy politicalweights, was less a promise and more a campaign trigger.

The Minister also took the opportunity to defend Governor Okpebholo’s earlier caution to Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, asking him to notify the government before visiting the state. Wike dismissed opposition outcry as unnecessary politicization, insisting that security protocol demands such courtesy.

“This is not where a presidential candidate will be going to serve food. You know this is pretense. How long will you serve food? As a president, you will carry food and be serving and Nigerians are laughing,” Wike jabbed, in what seemed like a veiled criticism of Peter Obi’s populist approach.


Governor Okpebholo echoed this sentiment, clarifying that his request was strictly in line with security expectations, recalling how one of his security aides was gunned down during a past airport incident in Benin City. “I told Mr. Peter Obi to notify me as the Chief Security Officer of Edo State. Is that a crime?” he asked rhetorically.

Beyond the fanfare of commissioning the new Edo Line Transport Service—which Wike noted would reduce insecurity and ease the cost of living—the event drew a roadmap toward 2027. The presence of Senator Oshiomhole and other APC stalwarts reflected a deeper mission: to unify the base and set the stage for a sweeping political offensive in the next elections.

The evolving relationship between Wike, Okpebholo, Oshiomhole, and the wider Tinubu administration indicates a strategic coalescing of forces that are likely to shape the future of Nigeria’s democratic contest—far beyond the boundaries of Edo State.

As alliances strengthen and political debts are repaid, one thing is clear: the 2027 race has quietly begun. And the groundwork is being laid in gatherings just like this—where development meets strategy, and progress doubles as political messaging.

(c) Prime Heritage Magazine 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

OGALE STAKEHOLDERS RECEIVE LEGAL BRIEFING ON LANDMARK COURT RULING IN SHELL POLLUTION CASE

-
Image
By Nwafor Oji Awala. Ogale, Eleme – July 11, 2025 The Royal Court at Obarijima Palace, Ogale, was the venue of a momentous stakeholders’ meeting on Friday, July 11, 2025, as members of the Ogale community gathered to receive a comprehensive legal update on their long-standing environmental lawsuit against oil giant Shell. The briefing was delivered by Mr. Anthony Hayward of Leigh Day, the UK-based law firm representing both Ogale and Bille communities in the case currently before the High Court in London. Presiding over the gathering was His Royal Highness, King Godwin Maduabushi Bebe Okpabi Paramount Ruler of Ogale and Oneh-eh Nchia X. The meeting drew a cross-section of the community: traditional chiefs, women leaders, youth representatives, legal observers, and members of the diaspora, all unified by a deep concern over the environmental devastation that has plagued Ogale for decades. A Legal Turning Point for Ogale and Bille Mr. Hayward’s update focused on the preliminary ...
Read more

Prof. Ndowa Lale Leads Peace Drive to Reunite MOSOP: Ogoni Chiefs Council Charts New Course for Unity

-
Image
By John Ollor Obe. In a pivotal move to resolve the longstanding leadership crisis within the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers has inaugurated a high-powered Peace Reconciliation Committee—placing Professor Sunday Ndowa E. Lale, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, at the helm of efforts to reunite the fractured movement. The committee was officially inaugurated on July 15, 2025, under the guidance of HRM (Sir) King Samuel L. A. Nnee JP, AmbP, FIIM, ACArb, D.min, the Gbenemene of Tai Kingdom and Convener of the Supreme Council. With the blessing of the court, the Council has sought to mediate and harmonize leadership disputes that have plagued MOSOP for years. Prof. Lale, a renowned academic and community leader from Eleme, was appointed Chairman of the reconciliation body—tasked with the monumental responsibility of restoring peace and cohesion to MOSOP, which for decades has been the global vo...
Read more

FROM SETBACK TO STARDOM: THE RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF SHARON EJII OBEY TO THE BAR

-
Image
By Nwafor Oji Awala | In an inspiring tale of grit, grace, and unshakable faith, Sharon Ejii Obey has emerged not only as a Barrister but as a shining symbol of relentless determination, proving that setbacks are setups for divine comebacks. The journey began in 2015 when Sharon, a young woman full of dreams and ambition, gained admission to study Law at North America University. Her passion for the legal profession burned bright — until an unexpected storm struck. By her fourth year, Sharon discovered that her university’s Law degree was not recognized by the Nigerian Law School. Devastated but not defeated, she left with only her transcript, facing an uncertain future. "I told myself I will never be a school dropout," Sharon recalls. With this personal vow, she returned to Nigeria and knocked on the doors of several universities, seeking admission to continue from where she had stopped. But almost all required her to start afresh — from 100 level. That painful reality, ...
Read more