Many Nigerians are already watching the political battle over the 2027 presidential election, even though voting is still months away.
Fresh controversy erupted after the media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, criticised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for declaring that President Bola Tinubu had already won the Federal Capital Territory.
In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, Ibe insisted that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the legal power to declare election winners.
He questioned why anyone would announce victory before Nigerians had cast their votes.
“INEC says it alone can declare official election results. Yet Wike has already proclaimed victory for Tinubu in the FCT: ‘We have won.’ Who appointed him Returning Officer before a single vote was cast?” he asked.
Ibe also criticised the silence of security agencies over Wike’s comment.
“Had an opposition leader said this, would security agencies not be scrambling to issue invitations? Mum has been the word in the circle of security agencies,” he said.
He added that citizens should not be intimidated for publishing verifiable polling-unit results after voting.
“There cannot be one law for Wike and another for everyone else,” he said, warning against actions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The exchange comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, while INEC continues to maintain that it is the only body empowered by law to conduct elections and officially declare winners.