WIKE RULES OUT 2027 PRESIDENTIAL BID, REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR TINUBU

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ruled out any intention of contesting against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, putting an end to growing political speculation.

Wike had recently called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, sparking rumors about a possible run. However, in a BBC News Pidgin interview over the weekend, he clarified that he has no plans to challenge Tinubu.

“I won’t contest. Why would I run against someone I support?” Wike said, affirming his loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration. He further emphasized that no opposition candidate is strong enough to defeat the president. “I’m not running again. Competing against someone I’m backing doesn’t make sense. Who else could win but him?”

Speaking on the PDP’s zoning issue, Wike said, “They’re talking about zoning it to the South—let them go ahead. When we get to that point, we’ll know how to handle it.”

On the political crisis in Rivers State, Wike dismissed claims of a feud with the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, referring to him as his “son” and denying any personal conflict.

“That’s not a fight. Fubara is my boy, my son. Why would I fight him? I’m only opposing those trying to take what they didn’t work for. They’re now ashamed because they’re losing—and they’re the ones influencing Fubara,” he added.