Wike Dismisses 2027 Presidential Ambition Rumours, Reaffirms Loyalty to Tinubu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he is being positioned to contest the 2027 presidential election, reaffirming his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

Reacting to a viral publication by an online platform alleging that some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders were urging him to run for president, Wike, through his Special Adviser on Media, Lere Olayinka, described the report as a fabrication from “idle minds with nothing to contribute to national development.”

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Olayinka stated that Wike remains fully committed to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that “as far as Wike is concerned, it is Tinubu till 2031.”

“The Minister does not operate in secrecy. He says what he does and does what he says,” Olayinka stressed, condemning the rumour mongers for spreading misinformation and engaging in “childish political propaganda.”

Speaking at the flag-off of the Collector Road C01 project in the Institution and Research District, linking the Body of Benchers Complex to Nile University, Wike urged Nigerians to engage the government constructively rather than resorting to online criticism.

“Criticism is welcome, but it must be constructive. 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,” he said.

Wike commended the Body of Benchers for engaging the government through proper channels, explaining that their formal request during the last Call to Bar ceremony led to the swift approval and commencement of the road project by President Tinubu.

“The Body of Benchers made their request humbly, and the President approved it. Today, we are flagging off a project that will benefit not only them but also Baze University, Nile University, and the entire surrounding community,” he added.

The Minister announced that the FCT Administration’s ongoing project inauguration drive had reached 17 consecutive days, and by Wednesday, would hit 20 days of uninterrupted infrastructural development across Abuja.

He also revealed plans to commence the construction of 300-bed hostels for male and female students at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that such development had never happened in the institution’s history.

Wike noted that while no government could solve all of Nigeria’s problems, the Tinubu administration is determined to lay a foundation for sustainable growth.

“Even if I remain Minister for 500 years, there will still be new problems. The key is to do your best with available resources. The President never promised to fix everything overnight but is focused on putting Nigeria on the right path,” he said.

Addressing the rumour surrounding a recent meeting of southern PDP stakeholders, Olayinka clarified that the gathering held on August 20, 2025, was unrelated to any presidential ambition.

According to him, the meeting was convened to discuss internal party matters regarding the zoning of leadership positions, with outcomes officially endorsed by state chairmen and leaders from across the South, including Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States.

“These names were publicly released in major newspapers and TV stations, but detractors twisted the facts to push their fake narrative,” Olayinka stated.

He reaffirmed that Wike remains focused on delivering President Tinubu’s development agenda in the FCT and working to make Abuja a model capital city.

> “To ensure President Tinubu’s re-election success, Wike will continue to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda with visible results in infrastructure and governance,” the statement added.