Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed any suggestion that he will contest against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Wike had sparked political chatter recently after calling on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. The remark was widely seen as a subtle hint at a possible presidential ambition.
However, speaking in an interview with BBC News Pidgin published over the weekend, the former Rivers State governor made it clear he has no intention of challenging President Tinubu.
“I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?” Wike said.
He stressed that no opposition candidate currently has the strength to defeat the president. “I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I am working with. Who will win except him?” he added.
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On the PDP’s zoning plans, Wike said the conversation was still premature. “They said they would zone it to the South, let them zone first. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it,” he said.
Responding to the political turmoil in Rivers State, Wike denied being at odds with suspended governor Siminalayi Fubara. He described the governor as his political protégé and denied any personal dispute.
“That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him? I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for.
“Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara,” Wike said.