Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has debunked reports claiming that some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement on Saturday, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, described the report as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to Nigeria’s development.”
Olayinka said the story — published by an online platform — was a baseless attempt to drag the minister into unnecessary political drama.
“The report circulated by an online platform notorious for falsehood and blackmail that some PDP leaders met to ‘push’ the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to run for President in 2027, is another lie from idle minds,” the statement read.
Reaffirming Wike’s loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Olayinka stressed that “as far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031.”
He continued, “Wike does not function in hiding. He does what he says and says what he does. It is shameful that those seeking to pull him down can’t think beyond such childish tactics.”
Olayinka clarified that the supposed PDP meeting never happened. He explained that the only gathering on August 20, 2025, was a meeting of southern PDP stakeholders, held to deliberate ahead of another summit in Lagos.
“The only meeting that took place was that of PDP stakeholders from the South, and it was about internal zoning discussions. The outcome was publicly released in a statement titled, ‘Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,’ signed by several southern PDP leaders,” he said.
He listed the signatories, including state chairmen and party officials from the South-East and South-South, such as Austin Nwachukwu (Imo), Abraham Amah (Abia), Venatius Ikem (Cross River), Aniekan Akpan (Akwa Ibom), and Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers), among others.
Olayinka added that the publication misrepresented facts for mischief, insisting that Wike’s reputation for openness is well known.
“We know their intention, but Nigerians already know Wike — he does nothing in secret,” he stated.
Reiterating Wike’s alignment with Tinubu’s government, Olayinka said the minister remains focused on implementing the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT.
“Wike is committed to the President’s vision for Abuja — to make it a world-class capital city through massive infrastructural and policy reforms,” he said.
“From now till 2031, it is on the mandate of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he will stand,” Olayinka concluded.
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