PDP First, Ambition Later” – Wike Explains Why He Will Not Face Tinubu In 2027 Race

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will not contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu, even though the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its ticket to the South.

The former Rivers State governor made this known on Monday during his monthly media chat in Abuja, stressing that his decision was based on loyalty and integrity rather than political ambition.

“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 to say I should run,” Wike stated.

He further explained that his commitment to the PDP has kept the party alive, insisting that he does not need to be in office as governor to influence its direction.

“If we didn’t love PDP, by now you wouldn’t even be hearing that name. I don’t need to be a governor before I do what I want to do,” he said.

The minister warned against fueling internal conflicts within the PDP, stressing that no opposition party can survive a deep crisis.

“One thing people don’t understand is that if you already have a problem, don’t add to it. Try to manage the one you have instead of creating more. No opposition party can survive with a serious crisis. The responsibility of an opposition party is to find ways to resolve its issues, not to be arrogant or engage in impunity. I don’t need to be a governor before I can cause a small problem,” Wike added.