By Muhammad Mamman
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly dismissed claims that he is eyeing a presidential run in the 2027 general elections, reiterating his full support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
Recent reports suggested that some figures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were pressuring Wike to contest in 2027. However, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike described the rumours as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country”.
Instead, the former Rivers State governor made it clear he is backing President Tinubu for a second term.
“As far as the 2027 presidential election is concerned, the Minister has made his position known — he stands firmly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.
“Wike is not one to operate from the shadows. He says what he does and does what he says. It’s frankly embarrassing that those trying to pull him down cannot think beyond these childish tactics. They clearly need better strategists.”
Olayinka also clarified the nature of a reported PDP meeting, stressing that the only relevant gathering took place on 20 August 2025 and involved PDP stakeholders from southern Nigeria. The outcome of that meeting was shared publicly in a press release titled ‘Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit’, signed by various PDP leaders from the South-East and South-South regions.
He added that Wike remains committed to Tinubu’s political and developmental agenda. “He has stated clearly that from now until 2031, he will stand with the mandate of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Among those who endorsed the aforementioned press release were state party chairmen from Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers; lawmakers, and former party officials. Names included Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Venatius Ikem, Aniekan Akpan, and Aaron Chukwuemeka, as well as National Vice Chairman (South-East), Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck, and House Minority Leader, O. K. Chinda.
Olayinka concluded by saying: “Their intentions are clear, but unfortunately for them, and the platforms they are using, the person and character of the FCT Minister is well known — he doesn’t engage in backdoor politics.”
