The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed rumours suggesting he may run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, especially if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zones its ticket to the South.
In an interview with BBC News Pidgin on Saturday, Wike declared his unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu, firmly stating, “I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?”
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, emphasized that there was no viable opposition strong enough to challenge Tinubu, and urged Nigerians to focus on governance rather than political speculation. “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,” he added.
Addressing the ongoing political tension in Rivers State between him and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Wike downplayed the rift, referring to Fubara as “my boy” and “my son.” He accused unnamed political actors of instigating the conflict. “I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for,” Wike stated, vowing to politically defeat those manipulating the governor.
According to the FCT Minister, these external forces are behind Fubara’s recent political moves. “Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara,” he said.
