Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports linking him to a possible presidential bid in 2027, insisting that his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firm until the end of his administration in 2031.
In a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, Wike described the report published by an unnamed online platform as a baseless fabrication by “idle minds” seeking to distract from governance.
Olayinka said, “As far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031. He has made his stand clear. He is not contesting for president; his focus is on successfully implementing the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT.”
He accused those behind the story of launching a smear campaign against the minister, stressing that Wike’s actions are transparent and consistent with his public statements. “The minister does not operate in secrecy. He says what he does and does what he says,” Olayinka added, condemning the rumour sponsors for “childish political antics.”
Speaking at the flag-off of the construction of Collector Road C01 in the Institution and Research District, linking the Body of Benchers Complex to Nile University, Wike urged Nigerians to engage government constructively rather than resorting to social media attacks.
“Let me say this clearly,” he said. “If you like, go to social media 50 million times; what you did not get through the door, you will not get through the window. Criticism is welcome, but it must be constructive.”
The minister commended the Body of Benchers for their respectful engagement with government, noting that their formal request during the last Call to Bar ceremony prompted President Tinubu’s approval for new road projects in the area.
“The Body of Benchers did not go on social media to rant,” Wike explained. “They made their request humbly, and the President approved it. Today, we are flagging off a major project that will benefit not only them but also Baze and Nile universities, and the surrounding community.”
Wike reiterated his commitment to delivering meaningful development in the FCT and reaffirmed his unwavering allegiance to President Tinubu’s leadership and vision for Nigeria.
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