Wike Dismisses 2027 Presidential Ambition, Reaffirms Loyalty to Tinubu

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly shut down speculations suggesting he may run for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027—particularly under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if it zones its presidential ticket to the South. Speaking in a candid interview with BBC News Pidgin, Wike reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he currently serves under, stating emphatically that he has no intention of contesting against his principal.

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“I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?” Wike declared, putting to rest persistent rumours about his potential candidacy in the next presidential election.

Wike’s public commitment to Tinubu underscores a political alliance that has surprised many observers, particularly given Wike’s status as a PDP stalwart. Despite not formally defecting from the opposition party, the former Rivers State governor has continued to align himself with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration since his appointment as Minister of the FCT.

His remarks appear calculated to quash any growing narrative of betrayal or political opportunism. “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,” Wike added, offering a cryptic response that suggests his political decisions will remain strategic and situational—but not in opposition to Tinubu.

The statement is significant in light of ongoing discussions within the PDP about zoning the presidential ticket to the South. Should that happen, Wike, given his experience and profile, would naturally be considered a frontrunner. However, his latest comments suggest he is not interested in leading a rebellion against Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Weak Opposition and a Dominant Presidency

Wike did not stop at pledging his loyalty; he also voiced his opinion on the political strength of the opposition ahead of 2027. According to him, no formidable opposition figure currently exists who has the political capital or support base strong enough to challenge Tinubu in the next election cycle.

In essence, Wike appears to be acknowledging a reality in which the President remains the most dominant political force in the country. Whether this is a calculated endorsement or a reflection of the weakness within the PDP remains a subject of debate.

Rivers State Crisis: Wike Breaks Silence on Feud with Fubara

In the same interview, Wike addressed the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, where he has been locked in a protracted power struggle with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his political protégé-turned-adversary. Dismissing the idea of a full-scale political war, Wike described Fubara as “my boy” and “my son”, claiming that the real conflict lies not with the governor but with unnamed external actors trying to exploit the situation.

“That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him?” Wike said. “I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for. When you don’t defeat them, they will think you… Defeat them to the final stage.”

He accused external forces of pushing Fubara against him, asserting that these actors are now “ashamed” because they are being politically defeated.

“They are the ones pushing Fubara. Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated.”

Wike’s combative tone suggests that he remains an influential player in Rivers politics, even though he now operates at the federal level. His assertion that he is not at war with Fubara but with his manipulators paints a broader picture of deep-seated political rivalries within the state and possibly the PDP.

As 2027 inches closer, Nigeria‘s political landscape is already beginning to shift. Wike’s statement serves both as a strategic clarification and a message of intent. By distancing himself from presidential ambitions and aligning himself with Tinubu, he positions himself as a power broker rather than a direct contender.

Analysts say this move may serve multiple purposes:

• Strengthening his alliance with the APC-led government, possibly for future political leverage.
• Avoiding deeper rifts within the PDP, where his actions have already attracted both admiration and criticism.
• Preserving his influence in Rivers State, by disassociating from claims of undermining the current administration there.

In a political climate where shifting loyalties often dominate the headlines, Wike’s declaration—while firm—leaves room for future political maneuvering. What remains clear, however, is his current stance: loyal to Tinubu, not interested in a 2027 presidential race, and determined to retain his grip on political affairs in Rivers and beyond.