Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has refuted claims suggesting that some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement released on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister described the report as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.”
Olayinka criticised the publication, calling it a baseless attempt to drag Wike into unnecessary political controversy. He stated that the report, which originated from an online platform known for “falsehood and blackmail,” was completely unfounded.
“The claim that PDP leaders held a meeting to persuade the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to run for president in 2027 is false. It is simply another fabrication by people who have nothing meaningful to offer,” the statement read.
Reaffirming Wike’s unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Olayinka emphasised that “as far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031.”
He added, “Wike is not a man who operates in secrecy. He stands by his words and actions. It is disappointing that those trying to pull him down have resorted to childish tactics. They clearly need better thinkers among them.”
According to Olayinka, Wike has consistently made his stance clear regarding the 2027 presidential election — his full support remains with President Tinubu.
Addressing reports of a purported PDP meeting, Olayinka clarified that the only meeting held on August 20, 2025, involved PDP stakeholders from southern Nigeria. The purpose of that meeting, he said, was to discuss the gathering scheduled in Lagos on August 21, 2025, by certain individuals seeking to micro-zone party positions allocated to the South.
He further explained that the outcome of the August 20 meeting was made public through a statement titled “Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit.” The statement was signed by several PDP leaders from the South-East and South-South regions, including state party chairmen from Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers — Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Barr. Venatius Ikem, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, and Aaron Chukwuemeka respectively — as well as the National Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. O. K. Chinda.
Olayinka stated that while the motives behind the false report were obvious, Nigerians are already familiar with Wike’s personality and transparent leadership style.
“We know their intentions, but unfortunately for them, the FCT Minister’s character is well known. He does not do anything in secret,” he said.
Reiterating Wike’s commitment to President Tinubu’s administration, Olayinka stressed that Wike remains dedicated to advancing the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda through infrastructural and policy reforms in the Federal Capital Territory.
“He has made it clear that from now until 2031, he stands firmly on the mandate of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Olayinka affirmed.
He concluded by noting that Wike’s focus remains on transforming Abuja into a world-class capital city that reflects the President’s vision for national progress and development.
“Wike will continue to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT by realising the President’s vision of a capital city that competes globally in infrastructure and governance,” Olayinka added.
