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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has refuted claims that he is planning to run for president in the 2027 general election.
Reports had circulated suggesting that some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were encouraging him to contest.
However, in a statement released on Saturday, October 18, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike dismissed the rumour as “a baseless fabrication from idle minds who have nothing meaningful to contribute to the country’s progress.”
The former Rivers State governor reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring his support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“The minister has made his position clear regarding the 2027 presidential election — he stands firmly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.
“Wike operates openly. He says what he means and means what he says. It is pathetic that those trying to tarnish his image cannot think beyond childish schemes. They certainly need better reasoning,” Olayinka added.
He also clarified reports of an alleged PDP meeting, noting that the only meeting held on August 20, 2025, was a gathering of PDP stakeholders from the southern region.
According to him, the outcome of that meeting was publicly shared in a statement titled ‘Re: Purported Meeting of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit’, which was jointly signed by several South-East and South-South PDP leaders, including state chairmen, lawmakers, and former party officials.
Olayinka reiterated that Wike remains committed to President Tinubu’s political and developmental vision. “He has clearly stated that from now until 2031, he will stand firmly by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate,” he said.
He further explained that the August 20 meeting was convened to discuss plans for another meeting scheduled in Lagos on August 21, which some individuals intended to use to endorse zoning decisions favouring their interests.
The statement listed the PDP leaders who endorsed the communiqué, including Imo State Chairman Austin Nwachukwu, Abia’s Abraham Amah, and Cross River’s Barr. Venatius Ikem, Akwa Ibom’s Rt Hon. Aniekan Akpan, and Rivers’ Aaron Chukwuemeka.
Others were the National Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck; House Minority Leader, Hon. O. K. Chinda; Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, and Mike Ama Nnachi; former National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe; Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha; and former Ebonyi State Legal Adviser, Barr. Mudi Erhenede.
Olayinka concluded by saying the rumours were a deliberate act of mischief. “Their intentions are obvious, but they will fail. The FCT Minister’s character is well known — he conducts all his activities transparently and never in secrecy,” he said.
