The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has firmly denied having any presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.
Recent reports had claimed that certain leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were urging the former Rivers State governor to enter the presidential race.
However, in a statement released on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister dismissed the speculation as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.”
Rather than entertaining talk of personal ambition, Wike openly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.
“The Minister has made it clear where he stands as long as the 2027 presidential election is concerned—he is with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.
“Wike does not function in hiding. He does what he says and says what he does. It is shameful that the ‘pull-Wike-down’ elements could not reason beyond such kindergarten tactics. It is clear that they need better brains to think for them.”
Olayinka also addressed reports of a supposed PDP meeting, clarifying that the only meeting held on August 20, 2025, was a gathering of PDP stakeholders from the southern region of the country.
He explained that the meeting’s purpose was to discuss the Lagos summit scheduled for August 21, 2025, organized by some party members seeking to finalize micro-zoning arrangements for party positions designated for the South.
According to Olayinka, the outcome of the August 20 meeting was clearly made public through a statement titled “Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit.” The communiqué was signed by several PDP leaders from the South-East and South-South regions, including state chairmen, legislators, and former officials.
Signatories to the statement included the PDP state chairmen of Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers—Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Barr. Venatuis Ikem, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, and Aaron Chukwuemeka respectively, as well as the National Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. O. K. Chinda.
Others who endorsed the communiqué were Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, former National Secretary Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, Deputy National Legal Adviser Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, former Ebonyi State Legal Adviser Barr. Mudi Erhenede, among others.
“These names were clearly listed in the press statement published in major newspapers and aired on national television stations,” Olayinka added, accusing detractors of twisting facts to “advance their latest mischief.”
He further reiterated Wike’s unwavering commitment to President Tinubu’s administration and vision for national development.
“He has said it clearly that from now till 2031, it is on the mandate of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he will stand,” Olayinka declared.
He concluded by saying that the Minister’s reputation for transparency and straightforwardness is well known: “We know their intention, though. But unfortunately for them, and the platform they are using to propagate their idle plots, the person and character of the FCT Minister is known to everyone—he does not do anything in hiding.”
What You Should Know
Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has consistently emphasized loyalty to President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Despite speculation about his potential presidential ambitions, Wike has repeatedly dismissed such claims, insisting that his focus remains on supporting the current administration’s agenda and the nation’s development.
