Wike Breaks Silence On 2031 Ambition, Dismisses Claims Of Early Political Positioning

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed speculation that his political activities and the emerging Rainbow Coalition are part of a strategy to position himself for the 2031 presidential election.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the controversy followed claims by some political actors that Wike was using his growing political network and support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election to strengthen his position ahead of the next presidential cycle. Wike, however, rejected the suggestion that he was currently positioning himself for a 2031 presidential bid.

Speaking on Monday after inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja, the FCT Minister said those speculating about his political future were attempting to determine matters that ultimately depend on circumstances beyond human control.

Wike argued that political leaders must first consider the uncertainty of the future before making definitive assumptions about their plans several years ahead. He said reports suggesting that he was deliberately positioning himself for 2031 were inaccurate.

He, however, questioned why such a development would be considered problematic if it eventually happened.

“People like taking the position of God. First of all, you have to pray to be alive. You must pray to God to keep you alive till tomorrow. It is when God keeps you alive that you know what to do,” Wike said.

He added, “How can you be planning 2031 now? Saying that I am positioning myself ahead of the 2031 election is not correct, but assuming it is true, what is wrong?”

Wike’s comments come amid growing political discussions surrounding his Rainbow Coalition and its role ahead of the 2027 general elections. The minister has repeatedly stated that his immediate political priority is supporting President Tinubu’s re-election, while critics have interpreted the coalition as part of a broader political strategy.

Wike has also maintained that the coalition is not designed to weaken the All Progressives Congress or destabilise existing political structures, but to mobilise support for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid.