Wike Rules Out 2027 Presidential Bid Against Tinubu.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of Rivers State, has firmly dismissed rumours that he will contest against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. In a recent interview with BBC News Pidgin, Wike made it clear that he has no intention of running for president, even if his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), zones its ticket to the South.

Wike’s statement comes after months of speculation, especially following his call for the PDP to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This led many to believe he was preparing to challenge President Tinubu. However, Wike has now set the record straight, saying:

“I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I am working with. Who would win except him?”

Wike explained that his loyalty lies with President Tinubu, under whose administration he currently serves as FCT Minister. He stressed that it would be illogical to run against the president while working closely with him in government. Wike also believes that, at present, there is no opposition candidate strong enough to defeat Tinubu in 2027.

Wike’s Position in the PDP

Despite his role in the APC-led federal government, Wike insists he remains a committed member of the PDP. He has been vocal about the party’s internal issues, criticizing some leaders for their lack of results and for making empty threats. Wike lost the PDP’s 2023 presidential primary to Atiku Abubakar and has since accused the party leadership of making strategic mistakes, particularly by not zoning the ticket to the South.

He questioned the credibility of some PDP leaders, saying:

“Achike Udenwa has no single National Assembly member. He didn’t even give the party 3% of the vote. Sam Egwu too-no NASS member, no governor-yet they’re the ones threatening? They are empty!”

Wike also emphasized that he would not abandon the PDP, stating, “How can I build something only for you to come and frustrate me? No, I will not allow you to ruin what I have built”.

On PDP Zoning and 2027 Election

Addressing the PDP’s ongoing debate about zoning the presidential ticket to the South, Wike said, “They said they will zone it to the South; let them zone first. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it”. He suggested that internal party unity and strategy are more important than just zoning, warning that the PDP cannot win in 2027 unless it resolves its internal crises.

Rivers State Crisis

Wike also spoke about the political crisis in Rivers State, denying any personal feud with the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara. He described Fubara as his “son” and insisted that his disagreement is not with the governor himself, but with those allegedly pushing Fubara against him. Wike said, “That boy is like my son; how can I fight him? The people I am contending with are those who wish to take what they did not earn”.

He further explained that he is only fighting against individuals trying to destabilize the state for their own benefit, not against Fubara personally.

Wike’s Work as FCT Minister

Since becoming FCT Minister, Wike has focused on infrastructure, education, and security in Abuja. He revealed that monthly revenue for the FCT has grown from about 8–9 billion naira to 30 billion naira since he took office, attributing this to efforts to block revenue leaks and improve management.

He also addressed comparisons with previous FCT ministers, saying his focus is on delivering results for Abuja residents under President Tinubu’s leadership, rather than competing with his predecessors.

In summary, Nyesom Wike has made it clear that he will not contest against President Tinubu in 2027, reaffirming his loyalty to the president and his commitment to the PDP. He also addressed the ongoing political situation in Rivers State and highlighted his achievements as FCT Minister, urging for unity and humility within his party as the 2027 elections approach.

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