Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has debunked widespread speculation that he is preparing to run for president in 2027, reaffirming his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s goals up to 2031.
In a statement issued in Abuja by his spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, Wike described the rumour as “another lie from idle minds,” allegedly orchestrated by political opponents trying to discredit his service.
“As far as Wike is concerned, it’s President Tinubu till 2031,” Olayinka said.
“He is not running for president. His only focus is delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT.”
The statement followed an online report alleging that some PDP leaders were lobbying Wike to contest the 2027 presidential election.
At a recent flag-off of Collector Road C01—linking the Body of Benchers Complex to Nile University, Wike used the platform to encourage Nigerians to engage the government through proper channels, rather than relying on social media criticism.
“If you like, go to social media 50 million times, what you didn’t get through the door, you won’t get through the window,” Wike said.
“Criticism is welcome, but it must be constructive.”
He praised the Body of Benchers for their respectful approach in requesting infrastructure improvements during a recent Call to Bar ceremony, an appeal that led to the emergency approval of the road project by President Tinubu.
“They didn’t rant on social media. They wrote to us respectfully, and we responded. That’s how responsible governance and civic engagement should work,” Wike added.
He also admitted he was unfamiliar with the location of Baze University and Nile University before the project, but emphasized that the development will now serve their communities as well.
The road construction is part of Wike’s 17-day infrastructure rollout across the FCT.
He revealed plans to launch another project on Monday: the construction of 300-bed male and female hostels at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, marking a first in the institution’s history.
Wike also noted ongoing efforts that include 10 fully furnished staff bungalows for the Law School, all under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Reflecting on governance, Wike remarked:
“Even if I remain Minister for 500 years, there will still be challenges. The goal is to do your best with the time and resources you have.”
He stressed the need for citizens to contribute meaningfully to national discourse rather than spreading falsehoods under anonymous online profiles.
Responding to claims that a recent Southern PDP stakeholders’ meeting signaled Wike’s 2027 ambitions, Olayinka clarified that the August 20, 2025 meeting was focused solely on internal party issues, including concerns over zoning of party positions.
The meeting was formally attended and endorsed by PDP state chairmen from Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, the National Vice Chairman (South-East), the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and several former senators and legal advisers.
“These names were deliberately twisted by mischief-makers to support a false narrative,” Olayinka said.
Wike concluded by affirming his continued commitment to President Tinubu’s vision:
“To ensure the President’s re-election in 2027, I will remain focused on transforming Abuja into a model capital city and delivering impactful projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
