Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed speculations that he plans to run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The rumors gained traction after Wike recently called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South—a move interpreted by many as positioning himself for a possible presidential run. However, in an interview with BBC News Pidgin published over the weekend, Wike firmly denied any such intentions.
“I will not contest. Why would I run against someone I’m working for?” he said, reiterating his loyalty to President Tinubu and his administration.
The former governor of Rivers State also cast doubt on the viability of any opposition candidate unseating Tinubu in 2027. “I will not contest again. I cannot go against someone I am working with. Who else can win if not him?” Wike added.
On the issue of PDP’s internal debate over zoning, Wike offered a measured response “They said they would zone it to the South—let them go ahead and zone it. When we get to the bridge, we’ll know how to cross it.”
Addressing the political turmoil in Rivers State, Wike denied reports of a personal rift with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Referring to Fubara as his “son”, Wike insisted there was no personal animosity between them.
“That’s not a battle. He is my boy, my son—why would I fight him?” Wike said.
“I’m only opposed to those who want to take what they didn’t work for. Now they are ashamed because they’re being defeated. They’re the ones pushing Fubara,” he alleged.
