Wike declares he won’t run for president in 2027, choosing loyalty to Tinubu and party unity over personal ambition and political expediency.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, has openly ruled out any presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike, who spoke during his monthly media interaction in Abuja, emphasized that his decision is grounded in personal conviction, loyalty, and respect for political ethics rather than a lack of opportunity.
Wike explained that, despite the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, he would not challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who appointed him to the FCT portfolio.
For Wike, running for office against Tinubu while still serving in his government would be an act of betrayal.
“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 declared, leaving little room for speculation.
The former Rivers governor stressed that his choice not to contest is not due to fear of the political terrain but a reflection of his values.
He insisted that politics should not always revolve around ambition, rivalry, and personal advancement. Instead, it should be guided by principles that uphold loyalty, credibility, and collective interest.
Wike added that he has never needed a formal position to demonstrate influence or impact.
“I have said if we don’t love PDP, by now you won’t even be hearing that name. I don’t need to be a governor for me to do what I want to do,” he noted.
Beyond his personal political choices, Wike spoke candidly about the challenges facing opposition parties in Nigeria.
He cautioned that internal conflicts, arrogance, and disregard for due process weaken their effectiveness.
According to him, “If you have a problem, don’t continue to give yourself more problems.
“Try to restrict yourself to the small one you have rather than add up other problems. No opposition party can survive when they are battling a serious crisis.”
He stressed that the survival of any opposition bloc depends on its ability to resolve disputes through discipline and humility, not through what he described as “impunity and arrogance.”
Wike’s declaration is particularly significant given his political history.
A loyal PDP stalwart for years, he rose to prominence as Governor of Rivers State between 2015 and 2023, where he established himself as one of the most outspoken and influential voices in the party. His strong personality and fearless style earned him both admirers and critics.
In the run-up to the 2023 elections, Wike was at the center of a major rift within the PDP following disagreements over zoning and the party’s presidential primaries.
Many analysts believe that his open disagreements with the PDP leadership at the time contributed to the weakening of the party’s campaign machinery.
However, despite these tensions, Wike has continued to assert his relevance on the national stage.
His appointment by President Tinubu into the All Progressives Congress-led federal government was seen by many as a political surprise — and in some circles, a masterstroke that reshaped alignments in Nigeria’s power dynamics.
By ruling himself out of the 2027 race, Wike has positioned himself as a political actor willing to prioritize loyalty over personal ambition.
His announcement may also influence calculations within the PDP, particularly in the South, where the party’s zoning arrangement has reignited interest in potential presidential aspirants.