Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has stated clearly that he will not contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja, the former Rivers State governor explained that integrity and loyalty to President Tinubu remain his guiding principles.
“I will not run. I have integrity, I have character. There is no way my appointer is there, and we are saying he should run, and then I turn around and say I should run,” Wike affirmed.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which recently zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, had raised speculations about Wike’s possible candidacy. But the minister emphasized that his political decision goes beyond party directives.
He further explained that his commitment to the PDP has kept the party alive despite its numerous challenges. “If we don’t love PDP, by now you won’t be hearing that name,” he said.
Wike also warned that internal divisions could ruin any opposition party. He emphasized that managing conflicts constructively was crucial for party survival.
According to him, “No opposition party can survive when they have a serious crisis… It’s not by being arrogant and doing impunity.”
The FCT Minister insisted that political ambition should never override principle and loyalty, especially at a time when Nigeria’s democratic stability is at stake.