ABUJA — Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike on Friday vehemently dismissed rumours suggesting he will run for president in 2027, reaffirming his “unwavering loyalty” to President Bola Tinubu and declaring his support will extend through 2031. The minister said he would instead focus on delivering the government’s developmental agenda in Abuja and urged Nigerians to channel their criticism into constructive feedback rather than social media noise.
A statement issued in Abuja and signed by Wike’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka, described the reports — which claimed that some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders were encouraging the minister to contest the presidency — as “another lie from idle minds.” Olayinka emphasized that Wike “does not operate in secrecy” and reiterated his commitment to Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“As far as Wike is concerned, it is Tinubu till 2031. He is not running for president and is fully committed to delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President in the FCT,” Olayinka said. He further accused those behind the rumours of attempting to discredit the minister, describing their tactics as “kindergarten.”
Wike drove home his stance during the flag-off of the construction of Collector Road C01, a major infrastructure project linking the Body of Benchers Complex to Nile University. He urged Nigerians to engage the government through proper channels and cautioned that what cannot be achieved “through the door” cannot be attained “through the window.”
“The Body of Benchers did not sensationalize their demands on social media; they approached government respectfully and their request was promptly approved by the president. Today, we are flagging off a major infrastructure project to benefit that community and its environs,” Wike stated, insisting that responsible governance responds to needs, not noise.
Wike also disclosed that the road project marked the 17th day of continuous commissioning of development initiatives under his leadership, part of a broader infrastructure drive that aims to transform Abuja into a model capital. He further announced plans to begin the construction of a 300-bed hostel for the Nigerian Law School — a project he said would be the largest in the school’s history.
The minister acknowledged he cannot resolve all of Nigeria’s challenges within his tenure, saying even “if I remain minister for 500 years, new problems will emerge.” He stressed that the essence of leadership is to do one’s best with available resources and time.
Refuting a supposed PDP meeting held in August that some online outlets linked to his alleged presidential bid, Wike clarified that the gathering was focused on zoning party positions and not his political ambition.
