‘Wrong maths… you goofed’ — Wike tackles el-Rufai over ‘Tinubu to poll 3rd in 2027’ remark

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has criticised Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, over his recent permutations on the 2027 presidential election.

In an interview on Sunday, el-Rufai said President Bola Tinubu has no clear path to re-election, adding that the best he could achieve is a third-place finish.

He said there may be two rounds of the elections, adding that there is a possibility that no candidate would secure the required majority in the first round.

Responding to el-Rufai’s remarks on Monday, Wike said the former Kaduna governor goofed by predicting that Tinubu would come third without naming who would come first or second.

Wike acknowledged el-Rufai’s frankness but urged him to ensure his statements are always accurate.

“El-Rufai is my friend, but he failed in this mathematics, he goofed; he should have completed it, since he knows Tinubu would come third, he should also provide who would be first and second,” he said.

“How did he arrive at who will be third and and you don’t arrive at who will be first and second?

“One thing I like about el-Rufai is that he speaks his mind, but sometimes speaking your mind, say the one that is correct.

“In this one, I will put a bet, if he agrees, that Tinubu will win this election squarely.

“He said they should go and ask Jonathan. No two persons are the same. The mere fact that you were able to succeed in that does not mean you can do that [again].

“We are also here too. So, as I am sitting down here, do I look like someone you can come and win Rivers state from? It is not possible.”