Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly denied reports suggesting he is being positioned to contest the presidency in 2027, declaring his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration till 2031.

Reacting to a viral report published by an unnamed online platform, which claimed that some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were “pushing” Wike to throw his hat into the 2027 presidential race, the Minister’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, described the allegation as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.”

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Olayinka said, “As far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031. He has made his stand clear. He is not running for president and is fully committed to delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President in the FCT.”

He added that those sponsoring the rumour were part of a persistent campaign to discredit Wike.

“The Minister does not operate in secrecy. He says what he does and does what he says,” Olayinka stated, while berating the sponsors of the falsehood for engaging in “kindergarten tactics”.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of Collector Road C01 in the Institution and Research District, linking the Body of Benchers Complex to Nile University, Wike used the opportunity to challenge Nigerians to engage government constructively rather than resort to social media bashing.

The Minister commended the Body of Benchers for engaging with government through proper channels rather than “playing politics on social media.”

Wike noted: “Let me say this clearly: if you like, go to social media 50 million times, what you did not get through the door, you will not get through the window. Criticism is welcome, but it must be constructive.”

He referenced the recent request from the Body of Benchers during the last Call to Bar ceremony, which led to the commencement of road projects in the area. The request, Wike said, was made respectfully and responsibly, prompting immediate approval under emergency procurement by President Tinubu.

He added that such responsible engagement from citizens facilitates meaningful development: “The Body of Benchers did not go on social media to rant. They made their request humbly, and the President approved it. Today, we are flagging off a major infrastructure project that will benefit not only them but also Baze and Nile Universities, and the surrounding community.”

Wike expressed surprise at the scope and location of some of the institutions involved, stating, “Until today, I never even knew where Baze University was located. I’ve also never been to Nile University. But today’s project will serve them too. That’s what responsible governance is all about — responding to needs, not noise.”

The flag-off, which is part of an ongoing spree of project commissioning and inaugurations, marked the 17th day of such activities by the FCT Administration. Wike disclosed that by Wednesday, the initiative would have spanned 20 days of continuous infrastructural developments across Abuja.

He revealed further plans to flag off a new project on Monday at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari: “We will begin the construction of 300-bed hostels for both male and female students. That has never happened before. Last year, we started 10 fully furnished bungalows for the Law School. All these are under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.”

Wike also took time to reflect on the limits of governance, stressing that no administration can solve all of Nigeria’s problems.

He added, “Even if I remain Minister for 500 years, there will still be new problems. The key is to do your best within the available time and resources. Mr President has never promised to solve all the country’s challenges, but he is determined to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth.”

He called on citizens to act as partners in governance by offering honest feedback and suggestions rather than hiding behind anonymous social media accounts to peddle falsehoods.

Addressing the misinformation surrounding a recent meeting of southern PDP stakeholders, Olayinka clarified that the gathering on 20 August 2025 had nothing to do with Wike’s presidential ambition.

He said the meeting was convened to deliberate on the purported plans by certain PDP elements to micro-zone key party positions, and its outcomes were communicated through an official statement endorsed by party chairmen and leaders across the South.

Among the signatories were state PDP chairmen from Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers; the National Vice Chairman (South-East); the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; and several former senators and legal advisers.

“These names, which were publicly released in major national newspapers and television, were mischievously misrepresented by detractors to further their fake narrative,” Olayinka said.

“To ensure the President’s re-election success, Wike will continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT, working to transform Abuja into a model capital city.” (The Guardian)