Media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has dismissed the chances of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday, Olayinka argued that the party, which has Peter Obi as its presidential candidate, does not have the nationwide political structure required to mount a successful presidential campaign.
He claimed that the NDC’s failure to field governorship candidates across a significant number of states showed the limitations of its organisation ahead of the election.
Olayinka said the party has candidates in only 13 states and alleged that it would not have governorship candidates in about 15 states.
He maintained that such a situation would make it difficult for the party to build the grassroots machinery needed to mobilise voters and effectively participate in the conduct of the election.
According to him, the NDC’s participation in the 2027 election is more about establishing its presence in Nigerian politics than actually securing the presidency.
“Even NDC, the party of Peter Obi, they know they cannot win the election. They are just contesting to try to register their presence,” he stated.
The former media aide also pointed to the recent elections in Ekiti and Osun, where he said the NDC did not field candidates.
He questioned how a party could expect to win a presidential election without having political representatives and structures operating across the country.
Olayinka’s comments come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with Peter Obi and other opposition figures expected to play prominent roles in the contest.
While criticising the NDC’s organisational strength, Olayinka expressed confidence in the prospects of the APC and predicted that President Tinubu would be re-elected.
The NDC’s actual electoral prospects will ultimately depend on its campaign, candidates, alliances, grassroots organisation and performance at the polls.
