2027: Wike dismiss presidential speculation, reaffirm support for Tinubu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly dismissed speculation suggesting he is nursing a presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In response to reports claiming that some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are pressuring him to contest the presidency, Wike — through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka — described the claims as baseless and misleading.
“This is just another lie from idle minds who have nothing useful to offer the country,” the statement read.
The former Rivers State governor reiterated his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that his political allegiance remains with the current administration.
“As far as the 2027 presidential election is concerned, the Minister has made his position very clear — he is fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement added. “Wike does not operate in secrecy. He stands by his words and actions.”
Clarifying the PDP Meeting Rumours
Addressing reports of a supposed high-level PDP meeting aimed at projecting Wike for 2027, Olayinka clarified that the only gathering held was a Southern PDP stakeholders’ meeting on August 20, 2025. He said the meeting was called in response to plans for a zoning summit scheduled in Lagos the following day, not a political endorsement.
The outcomes of that meeting, according to him, were captured in a widely published statement titled ‘Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit’, signed by several key PDP figures, including:
State Chairmen of Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States: Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Venatius Ikem, Aniekan Akpan, and Aaron Chukwuemeka.
National Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck.
House of Reps Minority Leader, Hon. O.K. Chinda.
Senators Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, and Igwe Nwagu.
Former National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe.
Other party legal advisers and prominent officials.
Olayinka stressed that these public endorsements had nothing to do with Wike’s political ambition but were instead part of internal party discussions concerning zoning and representation.
“From Now Till 2031, It’s Tinubu’s Mandate” — Wike
Reaffirming Wike’s position, the statement added: “He has clearly said that from now till 2031, he is committed to supporting the leadership and development agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Olayinka further criticized what he called a desperate smear campaign against the FCT Minister, accusing unnamed political actors of using “kindergarten tactics” and “idle plots” to try to drag Wike into imaginary presidential calculations.
“They know Wike’s character — he doesn’t act behind closed doors. Whatever he believes in, he pursues openly,” the aide said.
Final Word
Concluding the statement, Olayinka assured the public that Wike remains focused on delivering on his responsibilities as FCT Minister, working in line with President Tinubu’s mandate rather than pursuing any personal political ambition.
“There is no secret plot. There is no hidden agenda. The Minister’s loyalty is clear, and his actions speak for themselves,” he said.
