Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made it clear that he has no plans to contest against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in a recent interview with BBC News Pidgin, Wike put to rest growing speculation about his political intentions following comments he made regarding the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket by his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Some had interpreted Wike’s call for the PDP to zone its next presidential ticket to the South as a signal of his ambition to challenge Tinubu, but the former Rivers State governor was quick to shut down the rumors.
“I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?” Wike stated clearly, underscoring his support for President Tinubu’s government and distancing himself from any future presidential plans that would pit him against the current leader.
He also noted that the opposition, particularly the PDP, does not currently have a strong candidate capable of beating Tinubu in a national election. “I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I am working with. Who will win except him?” he added.
When asked about the PDP’s ongoing debate over where to zone the presidential ticket, Wike responded, “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 remark suggests that while zoning is important, it remains too early to draw conclusions about potential candidates.
Turning to the political unrest in his home state of Rivers, Wike also addressed claims of a personal rift with the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Wike rejected the notion of any direct conflict, describing Fubara as someone he helped bring to power.
“That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him? I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for,” Wike said.
He further noted that some political actors are using Fubara as a pawn and now find themselves embarrassed due to their failures.
“Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara,” he stated.
