… I have defeated greedy, wicked politicians in Rivers
By Didimoko A. Didimoko
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed rumours that he plans to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, even if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zones its presidential ticket to the South.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a key political figure, reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration, stating clearly that he has no intention of running against the incumbent president.
In an exclusive interview with BBC News Pidgin, Wike said, “I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?” This statement puts to rest speculation about his 2027 presidential ambitions amid growing political discussions about Nigeria’s next general elections.
Wike expressed strong support for President Tinubu, emphasising that there is currently no strong opposition candidate who can realistically defeat the president. He added,
“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,” referring to Nigeria’s tradition of zoning political offices to ensure regional balance.
The PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has often favoured zoning the presidency to different regions, and the South-South geopolitical zone, which includes Rivers State, has been vocal about claiming the 2027 presidency.
Speculation about Wike’s presidential intentions grew because of his influence in the South-South and his previous bids for the presidency within the PDP
However, his current role as FCT Minister in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government signals a shift toward aligning with President Tinubu’s administration and prioritising political stability over electoral rivalry.
Additionally, Wike addressed the political crisis in Rivers State involving suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The ongoing feud has sparked much controversy and speculation about internal PDP conflicts in the state. Wike described the issue not as a personal fight but as a battle against corrupt political forces.
“He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him? I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for,” Wike explained. He accused unnamed external actors of manipulating Fubara and said those forces are now being defeated.
“Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara,” Wike asserted, promising to continue opposing these influences until they are politically neutralised.
