Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly denied reports suggesting he is being positioned to contest the Presidency in 2027, declaring his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration till 2031.
Reacting to a report published by an unnamed online platform, which claimed that some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were “pushing” Wike to join the 2027 presidential race, the minister’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, described the allegation as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.”
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, 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 running for president and is fully committed to delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President in the FCT.” He added that those sponsoring the rumour were part of a persistent campaign to discredit Wike.
“The minister does not operate in secrecy. He says what he does and does what he says,” Olayinka stated, while berating the sponsors of the falsehood for engaging in “kindergarten tactics.”
Meanwhile, speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of Collector Road C01 in the Institution and Research District, linking the Body of Benchers Complex to Nile University, Wike used the opportunity to challenge Nigerians to engage government constructively rather than resort to social media bashing.
The minister commended the Body of Benchers for engaging with the government through proper channels rather than “playing politics on social media.”
Wike noted: “Let me say this clearly: 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.”
He referenced the recent request from the Body of Benchers during the last Call to Bar ceremony, which led to the commencement of road projects in the area. The request, Wike said, was made respectfully and responsibly, prompting immediate approval under emergency procurement by President Tinubu. He added that such responsible engagement from citizens facilitates meaningful development:
“The Body of Benchers did not go on social media to rant. They made their request humbly, and the President approved it. Today, we are flagging off a major infrastructure project that will benefit not only them but also Baze and Nile Universities, and the surrounding community.”
