Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting he plans to contest the presidency in 2027, reiterating his unwavering loyalty and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration till 2031.
Reacting to a viral report by an unnamed online platform that alleged some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were pushing him to join the 2027 presidential race, Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, described the claim 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 behind the rumour were part of a sustained campaign to discredit the Minister. “The Minister does not operate in secrecy. He says what he does and does what he says,” Olayinka stated, criticizing the sponsors of the report for engaging in “kindergarten tactics.”
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 urged Nigerians to engage the government constructively rather than resort to social media attacks.
The Minister commended the Body of Benchers for engaging government through appropriate channels rather than “playing politics on social media.”
“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 said.
Wike referenced the Body of Benchers’ recent request during the Call to Bar ceremony, which prompted immediate approval for road projects in the area under emergency procurement by President Tinubu. He said such responsible engagement encourages 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,” he added.
Wike expressed surprise at the location of some of the institutions involved, saying, “Until today, I never even knew where Baze University was located. I’ve also never been to Nile University. But today’s project will serve them too. That’s what responsible governance is all about — responding to needs, not noise.”
The flag-off event marked the 17th consecutive day of project commissioning by the FCT Administration. Wike disclosed that by Wednesday, the initiative would reach 20 days of continuous infrastructural development across Abuja.
He also announced plans to begin constructing a 300-bed hostel at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari. “We will begin the construction of 300-bed hostels for both male and female students. That has never happened before. Last year, we started 10 fully furnished bungalows for the Law School. All these are under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President,” he said.
Wike further noted that no administration can solve all of Nigeria’s problems but stressed the importance of doing one’s best. “Even if I remain Minister for 500 years, there will still be new problems. The key is to do your best within the available time and resources. Mr President has never promised to solve all the country’s challenges, but he is determined to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth,” he said.
He called on citizens to be partners in governance by offering honest feedback rather than spreading misinformation on social media.
Clarifying the recent meeting of southern PDP stakeholders, Olayinka explained that the gathering on August 20, 2025, had nothing to do with Wike’s presidential ambition. He said it was convened to deliberate on internal party matters and its resolutions were publicly communicated.
Among those present were state PDP chairmen from Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers, as well as the National Vice Chairman (South-East), the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and several former senators.
“These names, which were publicly released in major national newspapers and television, were mischievously misrepresented by detractors to further their fake narrative,” Olayinka said.
“To ensure the President’s re-election success, Wike will continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT, working to transform Abuja into a model capital city,” he concluded.