I Won’t Contest Against Tinubu in 2027, Asserts Wike, Says I’m Loyal to Him

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly dismissed speculations surrounding a possible bid for the presidency in 2027, stating unequivocally that he has no intention of contesting against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Wike emphasized his loyalty to the president, declaring that his appointment as FCT Minister by Tinubu was a testament to the mutual trust between them.

He insisted that his focus remains on supporting the president and delivering on his responsibilities in the FCT.

“Tinubu made me Minister of the FCT, and I won’t allow anybody to crumble our political structure. No! Tinubu made me minister; people don’t understand, I have character,” Wike said.

Wike, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), played a crucial role in the 2023 general elections as a member of the G5 Governors—a group of aggrieved PDP leaders who opposed the party’s presidential candidate and openly supported Tinubu. His position in the current administration has since sparked controversy within the PDP, with some accusing him of disloyalty.

In his remarks, Wike reiterated that his actions during the 2023 elections were motivated by a desire for equity and justice within the party, rather than personal political ambitions.

Addressing the political situation in Rivers State, Wike expressed disappointment over his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom he accused of attempting to dismantle the political structure that helped bring him to power.

“In three months, it is sad for someone to scatter a political structure that supported and brought you up,” he stated.

On the administration of the FCT, Wike announced new reforms aimed at improving land management and boosting internally generated revenue.

These include the mandatory use of the National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) for land allocation and recertification of existing titles.

Wike reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Abuja into a model capital city, while also maintaining a strong working relationship with President Tinubu and the federal government.

Despite being a PDP member, Wike’s continued involvement in a ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration remains a major talking point in Nigeria’s political discourse.

However, he insists that loyalty and character are what drive his political decisions, not party lines or personal ambition.

“As far as 2027 is concerned, I am not running for president, and I will never work against President Tinubu,” Wike concluded.