The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports claiming 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 reports as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the country’s progress.”
Olayinka said the publication, which was circulated by an unnamed online platform known for spreading misinformation was a baseless attempt to draw Wike into unnecessary political drama.
“The story that PDP leaders met to ‘push’ Wike to run for president in 2027 is completely false. It’s another fabrication from those who thrive on deceit and blackmail,” the statement read.
Reiterating Wike’s loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Olayinka declared that the minister’s support remains solidly behind the President until 2031.
“As far as Wike is concerned, it’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031. He’s not someone who hides his position, he says what he means and means what he says,” Olayinka stressed.
He criticised those spreading the rumours, saying their actions reflect “kindergarten tactics” and a lack of serious political reasoning.
Clarifying the story further, Olayinka explained that the only meeting that took place on August 20, 2025 was a gathering of PDP stakeholders from southern Nigeria, held to discuss internal zoning arrangements within the party.
“That meeting had nothing to do with pushing anyone for presidency. It was about addressing attempts by some individuals to rubberstamp zoning decisions for positions allocated to the South,” he explained.
According to him, the outcome of the meeting was made public in a statement titled “Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,” signed by various PDP leaders from the South-East and South-South, including state chairmen, legislators, and former party officials.
Those who endorsed the statement included the state party chairmen of Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers, along with Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck, the National Vice Chairman (South-East), and Hon. O. K. Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. Several senators and former national officers also signed the document.
Olayinka accused the online platform behind the false report of deliberate mischief but maintained that Wike’s integrity and political stance are well known to Nigerians.
“Everyone knows the kind of person Wike is, he doesn’t do anything in secret. The people behind this fake report clearly have ulterior motives, but they will fail,” he said.
Reaffirming Wike’s continued alignment with Tinubu’s administration, Olayinka said the minister remains committed to delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly through infrastructure and policy reforms in the nation’s capital.
“Wike’s priority is to make Abuja one of the best capital cities in the world. From now till 2031, he stands firmly with President Tinubu and will continue to work toward achieving his developmental vision for the FCT,” he concluded.
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