I will not run against Tinubu in 2027 — Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced that he will not run in the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu.
He stated that he continues to be a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
I will not run for office again. I am unable to compete with a colleague I am collaborating with. “Who would emerge victorious, if not him?” he stated during an interview with BBC Pidgin.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, contested for the PDP ticket in an effort to become the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 election but was defeated by former vice president Atiku Abubakar.
The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s decision not to allocate its presidential ticket to the South, a situation that escalated into an internal crisis impacting the party’s electoral performance.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the election.
Wike also stated that he would not leave the PDP.
“May I inquire?” Who are the members of the PDP? Achike Udenwa, a former governor of Imo, currently lacks representation from any National Assembly member. He did not secure three percent of the votes for his party.
“The former governor of Ebonyi State lacks representation in both the assembly and the National Assembly.” Your actions do not reflect the production of a governor; rather, they appear to be threats. What is the nature of your threat? Your resources are depleted.
“I am unable to engage in that type of activity (defect). I do not consider myself to be a fearful individual. Do I lack strength as an individual? How will I construct a house, and you will come and hinder my progress? Who is going to depart? You will depart; I will not permit you to undermine the home I have established. “I will remain,” he stated.
The PDP is currently experiencing a significant wave of defections from several notable party members, including the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, members of the House of Assembly, and the state executive council.
He was accompanied by his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who served as the vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 presidential election.
Three senators from Kebbi State have transitioned to the APC: Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central; Yahaya Abdullahi of Kebbi North; and Garba Maidoki of Kebbi South.