Abuja, Nigeria – Amid growing political speculation, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly stated that he has no intention of contesting against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general election.
In a recent interview with BBC News Pidgin, Wike dismissed the idea of running for president, reinforcing his loyalty to Tinubu and the current administration. The remarks come following his call for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone its presidential ticket to the South, a move that fueled widespread speculation about his possible ambitions.
“I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?” Wike stated during the interview.
“I Will Not Contest in 2027” – Wike Reaffirms Loyalty to Tinubu
The former Rivers State Governor, now a prominent member of President Tinubu’s cabinet, reiterated his commitment to the current administration. Wike emphasized that he was not in opposition to the president and saw no political rationale in running against a leader he supports.
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“I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I am working with. Who will win except him?” Wike questioned.
He added, “They said they would zone it [PDP presidential ticket] to the South. Let them zone it first. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it.”
This categorical statement aims to dispel any rumors of a political rift between Wike and Tinubu, amid ongoing party realignments and defections in the country.
Wike-Fubara Feud: “Siminalayi Fubara Is My Political Son”
Addressing the persistent political crisis in Rivers State, Wike denied reports of a direct feud with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Instead, he described Fubara as his political protégé and distanced himself from accusations of being the architect of instability in the state.
“That one is not a battle. He is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him?” Wike said, adding that his real conflict was with those attempting to manipulate Fubara for their own political gain.
“I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for. Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara.”
Rivers Political Crisis: Tinubu Declares State of Emergency
The feud between Wike and Fubara has plunged Rivers State into a prolonged political crisis. In March 2025, the situation escalated, prompting President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.
The president’s emergency declaration was made in a nationwide broadcast. As part of the emergency measures:
- Governor Siminalayi Fubara was suspended.
- Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the State House of Assembly were also suspended.
- Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed as state administrator to oversee governance during the six-month suspension.
The decision, according to the presidency, was aimed at restoring stability and lawful governance in a state that had been marred by internal conflict and legislative breakdown, including the arson attack on the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Allegations Against Wike Over Emergency Rule in Rivers
Several political observers have accused Wike of engineering the crisis to maintain control over the state. The former governor has been accused of undermining his successor and using federal influence to disrupt state governance.
However, Wike denied any involvement in orchestrating the state of emergency. He argued that those making such accusations were aligned with individuals trying to reap where they did not sow.
“They are the ones pushing Fubara. I am only defending what we built,” Wike said.
Political Analysts Weigh In: Is Wike Still Influential in 2027 Calculations?
Political analysts suggest that despite Wike’s claims of loyalty, his influence in shaping southern politics remains significant. His demand for the PDP to zone the presidency to the South is seen by some as a strategic positioning move, either to influence party leadership or to maintain leverage within Tinubu’s administration.
However, his latest comments appear to downplay any immediate presidential ambition and instead highlight his commitment to playing a supporting role in the current government.
Key Takeaways
- Nyesom Wike has ruled out contesting against President Tinubu in 2027, stating he cannot run against the man he is working with.
- He reiterated his loyalty to the Tinubu administration, dismissing speculation sparked by his earlier call for PDP’s presidential zoning to the South.
- Wike denied being at war with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, calling him a “political son,” and blamed unnamed individuals for escalating the political crisis in Rivers State.
- In March, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor and the legislature, a move some critics attributed to Wike’s influence.
- Wike insists his only fight is against political opportunists attempting to destabilize a system they didn’t help build.
Final Word
With Nyesom Wike publicly backing out of the 2027 presidential race and pledging loyalty to President Tinubu, the political terrain ahead may shift in focus. As Rivers State remains in turmoil, the role of Abuja’s most powerful minister continues to be a subject of national discourse.
For now, Wike’s message is clear: he’s not crossing the bridge—yet.
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