By Deborah Nnamdi
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports linking him to a possible presidential run in 2027, insisting he remains fully committed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its “Renewed Hope Agenda” until 2031.
Reacting to a viral report by an unnamed online platform claiming that some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders were urging him to contest the presidency, Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, described the story as “another lie from idle minds.”
“As far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031,” Olayinka said in a statement issued Friday in Abuja. “He is not running for president and is focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT.”
Olayinka accused political detractors of sponsoring falsehoods to discredit the Minister, noting that “Wike does not operate in secrecy — he says what he does and does what he says.”
Speaking during the flag-off of the construction of Collector Road C01 in the Institution and Research District — linking the Body of Benchers Complex to Nile University — Wike urged Nigerians to engage government constructively rather than attack it on social media.
“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,” Wike said. “Criticism is welcome, but it must be constructive.”
The Minister commended the Body of Benchers for their “responsible” approach in engaging government through formal channels. He revealed that their formal request for road infrastructure, made during the last Call to Bar ceremony, led to the immediate approval and commencement of the project under emergency procurement by President Tinubu.
“This project will not only benefit the Body of Benchers but also Baze and Nile Universities, and the surrounding community,” he added.
Wike said the project was part of an ongoing series of infrastructure inaugurations by the FCT Administration, now in its 17th consecutive day. He revealed that new projects, including the construction of 300-bed hostels for male and female students at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, would commence next week.
“Even if I remain Minister for 500 years, there will still be problems,” Wike said. “The key is to do your best within the time and resources available. Mr President never promised to solve all of Nigeria’s challenges but is determined to place the country on the path of sustainable growth.”
Addressing reports linking a recent southern PDP stakeholders’ meeting to his alleged presidential bid, Olayinka clarified that the August 20 gathering had nothing to do with any political ambition.
He explained that the meeting was convened to discuss the purported micro-zoning of party positions within the PDP and was attended by several southern PDP chairmen and leaders, whose names and resolutions were publicly released.
“These names were mischievously twisted by detractors to push their false narrative,” Olayinka said. “Wike’s focus remains on supporting President Tinubu and transforming the FCT into a model capital city.”
