The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ruled out the possibility of contesting the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu, despite the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoning its presidential ticket to the South.
Wike made this known on Monday during his monthly media chat in Abuja, stressing that his decision was guided by loyalty and integrity, not personal ambition.
According to the former Rivers State governor, it would be wrong for him to challenge the same President who appointed him into office.
“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,” he said.
Wike also emphasized his long-standing commitment to the PDP, noting that the party would have collapsed if not for his love and sacrifices. He explained that his role in the party does not require holding an elective office to make an impact.
“If we don’t love PDP, by now you won’t even be hearing that name. I don’t need to be a governor for me to do what I want to do,” he stated.
He further advised the PDP to focus on resolving internal disputes rather than creating new problems, warning that no opposition party can thrive when plagued by internal crises.
Wike concluded by stressing that arrogance and impunity have no place in building a strong opposition, adding that even from outside governorship, he still has the capacity to influence the direction of the party.
