The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied claims that some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting that his loyalty remains firmly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Okay News reports that in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister described the speculation as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.”
Olayinka said the story, first published by an online platform, was a “failed attempt to drag Wike into unnecessary controversy,” adding that there was no meeting to pressure him into joining the presidential race.
He stated, “The report circulated by an online platform notorious for falsehood and blackmail—that a meeting was held by some PDP leaders to push the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to run for president in 2027—is another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to national development.”
Olayinka stressed that Wike’s political stance is clear, saying, “As far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031.”
He further said, “Wike does not function in hiding. He does what he says and says what he does. It is shameful that those behind this ‘pull-Wike-down’ campaign cannot think beyond kindergarten tactics.”
Clarifying the rumours surrounding a supposed PDP meeting, Olayinka explained that the only meeting held on August 20, 2025, involved PDP stakeholders from the southern region, and not a group plotting Wike’s political future.
According to him, the gathering was meant to discuss preparations for a zoning consultative summit planned for Lagos on August 21, 2025, and its outcome was made public in a joint statement signed by party leaders from the South-East and South-South, including state chairmen, legislators, and former party executives.
He listed the signatories to include Austin Nwachukwu (Imo), Abraham Amah (Abia), Venatuis Ikem (Cross River), Aniekan Akpan (Akwa Ibom), and Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers), among others. Other PDP leaders, such as Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck, Hon. O. K. Chinda, Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, and Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, were also part of the signatories.
Olayinka said these names were publicly listed in a press statement titled “Re: Purported Meeting of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,” which was circulated widely in the media, debunking the false narrative.
He added, “We know their intention, but the person and character of the FCT Minister are well known. He does not do anything in hiding.”
Reaffirming Wike’s commitment to the current administration, Olayinka said, “He has said it clearly that from now till 2031, it is on the mandate of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he will stand.”
He noted that Wike’s focus is on delivering President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT by advancing infrastructure and transforming Abuja into a world-class capital city.
“To ensure the success of the President’s re-election, Wike will continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda by actualising the vision of a capital city that can compete globally in infrastructure and urban development,” Olayinka concluded.
