Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a series of sharp warnings and political insights regarding the 2027 Nigerian presidential election.
Wike cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan against re-entering the race, dismissing calls for Peter Obi to return to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and confirming his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu by ruling out his own candidacy.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, Wike advised Jonathan to forgo contesting the presidency in 2027, noting the former president should continue to be respected as a statesman.
“I know Jonathan very well. He enjoys being respected internationally as a statesman, and I believe he will continue in that role,” Wike said.
He accused some political actors pushing for Jonathan’s candidacy of betrayal, pointing out, “People pushing Jonathan — what strength do they have? Were they not the same people who worked against him in 2015?”
He warned the PDP against creating internal conflicts that could be detrimental.
“For Christ’s sake, nobody should create problems for the party. When you cause problems, you are the one to blame.”
Wike also strongly opposed discussions to bring Obi back into the PDP fold. Obi, who ran as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, has been reportedly courted by some PDP figures for a return. Wike condemned this possibility, recalling Obi’s past criticisms of the party.
“Obi was abusing the party, saying it is rotten. So, now, the party is suddenly good enough for him to come and contest on its platform?”
He added that such a return would be hypocritical and harmful to the party’s unity and credibility.
“If you want to destroy this party, then, bring Obi back,” he warned,
Wike emphasized that Obi’s ambition could “make people even go to Satan’s house.”
Addressing the PDP’s forthcoming national convention scheduled for November, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Wike expressed concern that unresolved issues within the party could derail the event.
“The issue of the National convention is not the problem; the issue is the problems leading to the convention, and people should understand that,” he said.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve disputes and stressed the importance of addressing these problems to avoid setbacks for the party.
On his own political future, Wike dismissed any plans to contest against President Bola Tinubu in 2027. “I will not run. I have integrity and 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 want to contest?” he declared, underscoring his loyalty and principled stand.
Additionally, Wike criticised Obi’s advocacy for a single-term presidency, backing former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s position that such promises are deceptive.
“Don’t tell Nigerians such a story; when you get there, you will now find out if you will run for a second or third term,” Wike said, warning that political realities often change once a president is in office.
The minister’s remarks came at a politically charged moment as the PDP grapples with internal challenges, speculations about Jonathan’s possible return to politics, and moves to woo Obi back from the Labour Party.