The camp of Nyesom Wike has dismissed as “pure mischief” a report alleging that a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is mounting pressure on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Reacting to the report on Friday, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, described it as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.”
“As far as Wike is concerned, it is Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031,” Olayinka said in a strongly worded statement.
According to him, those peddling the rumour are only desperate to distract the Minister, noting that Wike has never hidden his political stance. “Wike does not function in hiding. He does what he says, and says what he does. The Minister has made it clear where he stands as long as the 2027 Presidential election is concerned — he is with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he declared.
Olayinka clarified that the only meeting held on August 20, 2025, was a gathering of PDP stakeholders from Southern Nigeria to deliberate on an internal zoning issue ahead of another meeting scheduled for Lagos on August 21.
He pointed out that the outcome of that meeting was made public through a joint press statement signed by several PDP leaders, including Imo State Party Chairman Austin Nwachukwu, Abia Chairman Abraham Amah, Cross River Chairman Venatius Ikem, Akwa Ibom Chairman Aniekan Akpan, and Rivers Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka. Others included National Vice Chairman (South-East) Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Hon. O. K. Chinda, Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, former National Secretary Onwe S. Onwe, Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, and Barr. Mudi Erhenede, among others.
“These were the same names mischievously linked to a phantom meeting to push Wike for the presidency. It’s laughable. Everyone knows the character of the Minister — he does not do anything in secret,” Olayinka said.
Reiterating Wike’s commitment to Tinubu, Olayinka stressed: “He has said it clearly that from now till 2031, it is on the mandate of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he will stand.”
He further noted that the FCT Minister remains focused on delivering the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda by transforming Abuja into a world-class capital city.
“To ensure the success of the President’s reelection, Wike will continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT by actualising the President’s vision for a federal capital that can compete with other capital cities globally,” Olayinka added.
