The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ruled out contesting the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu.
He, however, emphasised that he remains a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I’m working with. Who would win, if not him?” Wike said in an interview with BBC Pidgin.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, had previously sought the PDP’s presidential ticket for the 2023 election but lost to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He expressed frustration with the PDP’s decision not to zone its presidential ticket to the South, which led to internal conflicts that affected the party’s performance in the election.
President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was announced as the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Despite his criticisms, Wike stated that he would not abandon the PDP. “Let me ask you? Who is in the PDP? Achike Udenwa, a former governor of Imo, does not have one National Assembly member.
” He did not give his party three per cent of the votes,” he said, referencing some of the party’s struggling leaders.
Wike emphasised his commitment to the PDP, saying, “I cannot do that kind of thing (defect). I am not a fearful man. Am I a weak man? How will I build a house, and you will come and frustrate me to leave? Who will leave? You will leave; I will not allow you to spoil the house I built. I will remain.”
The PDP has faced significant defections, including Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, and several state executive council members, who joined the APC.
Other notable defections include three senators from Kebbi State: Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki. Despite these challenges, Wike remains resolute in his decision to stay with the PDP.
