The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has broken his silence over swirling rumours about his health, dismissing the speculations as false and politically motivated.
In an interview with BBC Pidgin, scheduled for full release on Saturday evening, Wike confidently declared that he is in excellent health, joking that he looks like someone in his 30s rather than his actual age.
“As I’m talking to you, do I look like somebody that is sick?” Wike said. “Looking at me, will you think I’m above 30 years? I’m very well.”
Wike’s remarks appear to be a direct response to viral reports that surfaced in April, alleging that the former Rivers State governor collapsed during an event at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to those claims, he was swiftly flown abroad for emergency medical treatment. However, just two days after the alleged incident, Wike was seen at a Sallah homage to President Bola Tinubu at the Villa, appearing upbeat and energetic.
His media aide, Lere Olayinka, also debunked the reports at the time, describing them as baseless and malicious. “The minister is fine and has continued his duties without any interruption,” Olayinka said in a statement.
Speaking further during the BBC interview, Wike also addressed criticism surrounding his son’s possible entry into politics. He asked rhetorically, “What’s wrong with that?” — suggesting that political ambition within families should not be demonised if individuals are qualified and willing to serve.
The Minister did not hold back when discussing the potential source of the health rumours. He hinted that the false narrative was part of a wider campaign to distract the public from more pressing political developments, particularly revelations by the former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, concerning the explosion at the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Wike, who remains a central figure in both federal and state-level politics, has frequently drawn attention — and criticism — for his outspoken approach and shifting political alliances. Recently, he has been embroiled in an ongoing feud with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, whom he helped install. Their rift has further widened the political divide in Rivers, sparking tension among supporters on both sides.
Amid these political undercurrents, Wike’s assertion of good health appears aimed at reinforcing his active role in Nigeria’s governance. Observers note that speculations about a politician’s health are not uncommon in Nigeria’s political space, often used as tools of misinformation or power play.
Wike’s defiance signals he remains unshaken and intends to stay in the game. As the 2027 general elections begin to dominate political discourse, insiders believe Wike may be positioning himself for a greater national role, especially as he continues to court President Tinubu’s inner circle and keeps his influence strong within the PDP and beyond.
His public rebuttal also highlights the importance of verifying sensitive claims before dissemination, particularly in an era where fake news spreads rapidly across social media platforms.
As political tensions rise ahead of 2027, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Wike maneuvers through party politics, opposition criticism, and the expectations of his growing political base.