I’m Waiting for PDP to Zone Presidency to South, Says Wike

By Our Reporter 

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has debunked speculation that he may challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election if the Peoples Democratic Party zones its presidential ticket to the South.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to Tinubu’s administration, declaring that he had no intention of contesting against the man he was serving.

Speaking in an interview with BBC News Pidgin on Saturday, Wike said, “I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?”

Reaffirming his support for Tinubu, Wike said there was currently no strong opposition figure capable of unseating the President.

“They said they would zone it to the South, let them zone first. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it,” he added.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, also addressed the lingering political feud in his home state, especially between him and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.He blamed unnamed political actors for orchestrating the crisis between him and Fubara.

Wike said: “That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him? I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for. When you don’t defeat them, they will think you… Defeat them to the final stage.”

The FCT Minister accused external forces of manipulating Fubara and vowed to continue countering them until they are politically neutralised.

“Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara,” he said.