FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has denied claims that he plans to run for president in 2027.
His aide said the report was false, stressing Wike’s loyalty to President Bola Tinubu till 2031.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports claiming that some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are encouraging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement released on Saturday, Wike’s aide on public communications, Lere Olayinka, described the report as false and misleading. He said the story was created by individuals “who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.”
According to Olayinka, the publication, which originated from an online platform, was a deliberate attempt to drag the minister into unnecessary political controversy.
He stated that Wike remains loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and has no interest in running for president. “As far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031,” Olayinka said.
He added that the minister is known for being open about his political decisions. “Wike does not operate in secrecy. He stands by his words and actions,” he said, stressing that those spreading the rumor were only trying to discredit him.
Olayinka further clarified that the supposed PDP meeting mentioned in the report never discussed any presidential ambition for Wike. He explained that the only meeting held on August 20, 2025, involved PDP stakeholders from southern Nigeria and was focused on preparations for another meeting in Lagos the following day.
He said the outcome of that gathering was already made public in a joint statement signed by several PDP leaders from the South-East and South-South zones, including state chairmen, legislators, and former party officials.
Olayinka accused those behind the false report of attempting to mislead the public but maintained that Wike’s position is already clear to Nigerians. “The FCT Minister’s character is known to everyone, he does not do anything in hiding,” he said.
He reaffirmed that Wike remains committed to President Tinubu’s administration and is focused on implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT. “From now till 2031, Wike stands by the mandate of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Olayinka added.
He concluded that the minister’s attention is fully on advancing the President’s development goals through ongoing infrastructure and policy reforms in the capital city.
