The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has made it clear that he will not be contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The former Governor of Rivers State stated this on Monday during his monthly media chat in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Loyalty to Tinubu
Wike explained that despite the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoning its ticket to the South, he would not run for president while President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him into office, remains in power.
“I will not run. I have integrity, I have character. There is no way my appointer is there, and we are saying he should run, and then I turn around and say I should run,” he said.
The former governor stressed that his decision was rooted in loyalty and principle, not political expediency.
Love for PDP
Speaking further, Wike said the PDP would have ceased to exist if not for his dedication to the party. He maintained that his influence is not tied to holding a governorship position, but rather to his ability to safeguard the party from internal crises.
“I have said if we don’t love PDP, by now you won’t be hearing that name. I don’t need to be a governor for me to do what I want to do,” he noted.
Warning Against Crisis in Opposition Parties
Wike also warned that no opposition party can survive if plagued by internal conflict. He advised party leaders to focus on resolving challenges instead of creating new problems.
“One thing people don’t understand is if you have a problem, don’t continue to give yourself more problems, try to restrict yourself to the small one you have than to add up other problems.
“No opposition party can survive when they have a serious crisis, the duty of the opposition party is to see whatever way they can solve their problem and it’s not by being arrogant and doing impunity. I don’t need to be a governor before I cause a small problem,” he added.
