Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly ruled out the possibility of contesting against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Wike’s recent call for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone its presidential ticket to the South had sparked widespread speculation about his political ambitions. However, in an interview with BBC News Pidgin over the weekend, the former Rivers State governor dispelled the rumours.
“I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?” Wike said, reaffirming his loyalty to President Tinubu and his administration.
He further emphasized his position by adding,
“I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I am working with. Who will win except him?”
While responding to the internal debate in the PDP over zoning the 2027 presidential ticket, Wike maintained a cautious tone:
“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.”
His statement appears to signal a wait-and-see approach to the PDP’s internal decisions while affirming that his political allegiance currently lies with the Tinubu administration.
Addressing the ongoing political tension in Rivers State, Wike denied reports of a rift with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has faced suspension from office amid a deepening power struggle.
“That one is not a battle. He is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him?” Wike said, brushing aside talk of personal conflict.
He accused unnamed political actors of manipulating Fubara, stating:
“I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for… Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara.”
Wike’s comments come amid efforts by the presidency to manage political tensions in Rivers and maintain stability within the ruling APC coalition.
