Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has categorically refuted rumors suggesting that certain Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders are positioning him as a candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, dismissed the claims as “fabrications from idle minds lacking any constructive contribution to national progress.”
Olayinka explained that the story, which originated from an online source, was a deliberate attempt to embroil Wike in unnecessary political disputes.
“The narrative, propagated by a platform notorious for spreading falsehoods and defamatory content, alleging that PDP leaders convened to ‘promote’ Wike’s 2027 presidential bid, is entirely baseless,” the statement asserted.
He emphasized that Wike’s stance remains unwavering: he fully supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s administration through 2031.
Olayinka further highlighted Wike’s transparent approach to politics, stating, “He is a man of his word who acts openly. It is regrettable that those behind these rumors resort to cheap political gimmicks instead of employing sound judgment.”
Reiterating Wike’s position on the upcoming election, Olayinka confirmed that the minister stands firmly with President Tinubu.
Addressing reports about a purported PDP meeting, Olayinka clarified that the only gathering held on August 20, 2025, involved southern PDP stakeholders and was unrelated to any endorsement of Wike’s presidential ambitions.
“That meeting was organized to plan a subsequent event in Lagos on August 21, 2025, where some members intended to formalize the micro-zoning of party offices already designated to the South,” he explained.
The results of this meeting were publicly disclosed in a statement titled, ‘Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,’ signed by numerous PDP leaders from the South-East and South-South regions, including state party chairpersons, legislators, and former officials.
Among the signatories were Austin Nwachukwu (Imo), Abraham Amah (Abia), Barr. Venatius Ikem (Cross River), Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan (Akwa Ibom), Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck (National Vice Chairman, South-East), and Hon. O. K. Chinda (Minority Leader, House of Representatives).
Other notable names included Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, former National Secretary Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, Deputy National Legal Adviser Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, and former Ebonyi State Legal Adviser Barr. Mudi Erhenede.
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Olayinka stressed that these names were extracted from a widely circulated press release, published in leading newspapers and broadcast on national television, confirming the absence of any clandestine agenda.
“We recognize the intent behind these rumors. However, the character of the FCT Minister is well-known-he does not engage in covert dealings,” he added.
He reaffirmed Wike’s dedication to advancing President Tinubu’s political and developmental objectives.
“Wike has unequivocally declared his allegiance to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu through 2031,” Olayinka stated.
Furthermore, Olayinka noted that Wike remains committed to implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda within the FCT, aligning with the President’s vision of transforming the capital into a city with world-class infrastructure.