The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has downplayed speculation that he may contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting that it would be unfair for him to run against President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him into office.
Wike, a former two-term governor of Rivers State, was appointed FCT minister by President Tinubu in 2023 following the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate’s victory in the general election.
Speaking during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the minister said he had no intention of contesting the presidency against his current principal, stressing that such a move would be against his conscience.
“I’m not going to run because it would be unfair for me to go and stand in an election against the person who appointed me,” Wike said. “At least I have conscience, even though people are rumouring that they should be careful of Wike, that he is going to run.”
READ ALSO: Wike warns Rivers politicians: backing Tinubu won’t secure governorship ticket in 2027
Wike recalled his role during the 2023 electioneering period, when he and members of the G-5 Integrity Group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) worked against the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and supported Tinubu’s emergence.
The G-5 governors — Wike, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State — had opposed Atiku’s candidacy over unresolved internal party disputes, despite threats of expulsion from the PDP.
Their open defiance of the party leadership was widely seen as a major political factor during the 2023 elections, particularly in key states.
Addressing rumours about his political future, Wike maintained that his focus remains on supporting the current administration and contributing to its success rather than pursuing personal ambition.
“We are the ones here that are going to make it happen,” he said, suggesting that his priority is ensuring the effectiveness of the Tinubu-led government.
Wike’s comments are likely to dampen speculation about a possible presidential bid, even as he remains one of the most influential and controversial political figures in Nigeria’s current political landscape.
