ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied reports linking him to alleged efforts to support former President Goodluck Jonathan’s return to the presidential race in 2027, stating that Jonathan has never discussed such ambitions with him.
“Jonathan has never told me. He has never called me one day to say, ‘I’m being pressured to run,’” Wike said during a televised media parley on Friday. He dismissed the speculation as media-driven and cautioned against relying on unverified reports.
The comments come amid growing political chatter about Jonathan’s potential comeback, which has stirred debate within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
In response, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued a statement reaffirming its neutrality. “INEC does not engage in speculation about candidacies. Our role is to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process, regardless of who contests,” said INEC spokesperson Festus Okoye.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for calm and urged political actors to focus on strengthening democratic institutions. “We must avoid distractions and concentrate on delivering governance. The 2027 elections will come, but let’s not destabilize the system with premature campaigns,” he said.
Former President Jonathan, through his media office, declined to confirm or deny any political intentions. “Dr. Jonathan remains committed to Nigeria’s unity and democratic progress. Any decision about future political involvement will be made in consultation with stakeholders and the Nigerian people,” the statement read.
Activists and civil society groups expressed concern over the politicization of Jonathan’s name. “Dragging him into speculative power games undermines the credibility of our democratic discourse,” said Aisha Lawal, director of the Civic Integrity Network.
Supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were quick to respond. APC youth leader Ibrahim Musa said, “Jonathan had his time. The APC is focused on continuity and progress under President Tinubu. We welcome any support he offers, but we’re not looking backward.”
Wike also distanced himself from claims that former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, had emerged as PDP chairman. “I don’t know about Tanimu Turaki becoming chairman. Maybe he’s chairman of another faction. It’s not the PDP I know,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor criticized the current PDP leadership for sidelining key stakeholders. “The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party,” he warned.
Despite no longer holding a governorship, Wike argued that his contributions to the PDP should earn him a seat at the table. “Are you telling me that because I’m not a governor, you hold PDP meetings, call them stakeholders, and exclude me — and you want to survive? Certainly not,” he said.
Wike remains a powerful voice within the PDP, often clashing with party leadership over internal crises and power-sharing arrangements. His comments come amid growing uncertainty about the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
