Wike Denies 2027 Presidential Ambition, Reaffirms Loyalty to Tinubu Till 2031

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports claiming that some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders are pressuring him to contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting he remains firmly loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement on Saturday, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, described the report — published by an unnamed online outlet — as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.”

“The report that some PDP leaders held a meeting to ‘push’ the FCT Minister to run for President in 2027 is false,” the statement read. “It is another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.”

Reaffirming Wike’s unwavering commitment to Tinubu, Olayinka declared,

“As far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031.”

He described the former Rivers State governor as a transparent politician who does not operate in secrecy.

“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,” Olayinka stated.

He added that Wike has “made it clear where he stands as long as the 2027 presidential election is concerned — he is with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Olayinka also refuted claims that a secret PDP meeting was held to promote Wike’s candidacy, clarifying that the only meeting referenced took place on August 20, 2025, and involved PDP stakeholders from southern Nigeria.

“The purpose of that meeting was to address concerns ahead of another gathering scheduled for Lagos on August 21, 2025, where some elements sought to rubber-stamp decisions on zoning party positions,” he explained.

According to Olayinka, the outcome of that southern PDP meeting was publicly released in a statement titled “Re: Purported Meeting of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit”, signed by several party leaders, including state chairmen from the South-East and South-South, members of the National Assembly, and other stakeholders.

He said the spread of false reports about Wike’s political intentions was driven by mischief-makers who underestimate his open and decisive leadership style.

“We know their intention, but unfortunately for them, the person and character of the FCT Minister is known to everyone — he does not do anything in hiding.”

Olayinka reaffirmed that Wike remains focused on delivering Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly through major infrastructural and policy reforms in Abuja.

“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 said. “To ensure the President’s success, Wike will continue to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT, building a capital city that can compete globally in infrastructure and urban development.”

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