Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed rumours suggesting he may challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. Speaking in a recent interview with BBC News Pidgin, Wike firmly stated that he has no interest in contesting the presidency, especially against someone he is currently supporting.
“I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?” Wike said, signalling his continued allegiance to Tinubu’s administration.
His comments come after he urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a call that fuelled speculation about his political ambitions. However, Wike clarified that his stance on zoning should not be mistaken for a presidential ambition.
“I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I am working with. Who will win except him?” the former Rivers State governor asked rhetorically, adding that no current opposition figure is strong enough to unseat President Tinubu.
On the zoning debate within the PDP, Wike maintained a cautious approach, stating, “They said they would zone it to the South, let them zone first. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it.”
Addressing the political tensions in Rivers State, Wike denied having a personal conflict with the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara. He described Fubara as his “son” and accused unnamed individuals of manipulating the governor for political gain.
“That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him? I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for,” Wike stated. “Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara.”
Wike’s remarks aim to put to rest growing speculation around his 2027 intentions and reaffirm his position within the current political landscape.
