The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has debunked claims that some leaders within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the reports were described as “another lie from idle minds” aimed at dragging Wike into unnecessary political controversy.
The rumour, first circulated by an online platform, alleged that a group of PDP leaders met recently to pressure Wike into declaring interest in the presidency. Olayinka, however, dismissed the report as false and politically motivated.
“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,” the statement read.
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Olayinka clarified that Wike is firmly aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating:
“As far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031.”
The clarification also addressed a referenced meeting supposedly linked to Wike’s alleged ambition. Olayinka explained that the only meeting held on 20 August 2025 involved PDP stakeholders from the southern region and was unrelated to any presidential campaign plans.
He said the meeting’s purpose was to discuss concerns about a separate gathering scheduled in Lagos the following day, which aimed to rubber-stamp decisions on micro-zoning party positions in the South.
The outcome of that stakeholders’ meeting was released publicly through a statement titled ‘Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit’, signed by several prominent PDP figures, including state party chairmen, National Working Committee members, and sitting lawmakers.
Among those who signed the statement were:
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Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman),
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Abraham Amah (Abia PDP Chairman),
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Venatius Ikem (Cross River PDP Chairman),
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Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan (Akwa Ibom PDP Chairman),
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Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers PDP Chairman),
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Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck (National Vice Chairman, South-East),
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Hon. O. K. Chinda (Minority Leader, House of Representatives),
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and several former senators and party officials.
Olayinka insisted the signatures and content of the meeting’s communique were widely circulated and reported by national media, proving the transparency of the discussions and discrediting any hidden political agenda involving Wike.
“We know their intention though. But unfortunately for them… the character of the FCT Minister is known to everyone — he does not do anything in hiding,” Olayinka said.
Reaffirming the minister’s political stance, Olayinka concluded that Wike remains committed to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly as it relates to transforming the FCT into a world-class capital city.
“To ensure the success of the President’s re-election, Wike will continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT by actualising the visions of the President,” he said.
The statement ends speculation about Wike’s potential presidential ambition while reinforcing his support for Tinubu’s government as political activity slowly builds ahead of the 2027 general elections.
