2027 Election: Is PDP Faction Pushing Wike to Run Against Tinubu? Aide Speaks

• Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communications and social media to Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), said his principal is not nursing presidential ambition
• In a statement issued on Friday, October 17, Olayinka dismissed reports claiming that some leaders of the PDP are pressuring Wike to run for the presidency in 2027
• Olayinka explained that Wike, a longtime PDP member, is fully committed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election and has no plan to challenge him in the 2027 election

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria.

FCT, Abuja – Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communication and social media to Nyesom Wike, on Friday, October 17, said reports that a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is ‘pushing’ Nyesom Wike to run against President Bola Tinubu is “fake”.

Legit.ng reports that Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers state, is the current minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Although, a longtime member of the PDP, the 57-year-old is a known supporter of President Tinubu.

As reported by Vanguard, Olayinka said the claim of Wike eyeing the presidency in the 2027 election is “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.”

Guardian quoted Olayinka as saying:

“Wike does not function in hiding. He does what he says, and says what he does.

“The minister has made it clear where he stands as long as the 2027 Presidential election is concerned, he is with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Buttressing his point, Wike’s aide stressed that his principal’s resolution was rooted in loyalty and principle, not political expediency. The minister also denied claims of a rift with President Tinubu.

Wike said claims that he did not attend the recent council of state meeting because his nominee was not chosen for the vacant post of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman was “unnecessary propaganda and blackmail.”

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2027 election: Dele Momodu mentions “only option” opposition has left amid quest to sack Tinubu

PDP chieftain slams Wike

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the PDP has strongly criticised Wike for openly declaring his plan to lead President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.

PDP’s deputy national youth leader, Timothy Osadolor, called on Nigerians and party members to disregard Wike, stating that the party would soon enforce its rules against the minister.

Osadolor stated that the FCT minister no longer holds any significant influence within the PDP, and expressed confidence that President Tinubu would be defeated.

Read more on Nyesom Wike:

Wike speaks on defections from PDP

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Wike took aim at his critics in the political space.

Specifically, the minister declared that those who once vilified him for associating with President Tinubu are now defecting in large numbers to the president’s All Progressives Congress (APC).

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2027 election: ‘Not Atiku,’ Fayose names “only person that has traction”

The former Rivers state governor said his stance on aligning with President Tinubu’s leadership has been proven right, urging politicians to adopt maturity in their political decisions.

Source: Legit.ng