Wike speaks on ‘bid to become APC campaign DG’

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied reports that he is lobbying to become the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike, however, reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying he does not need a formal position in the campaign council to help the President secure victory in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.

Reports had listed Wike among APC chieftains and government officials allegedly lobbying for, or being considered for, the position of Director-General of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council.

Wike denies campaign DG ambition

In a statement issued on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike described the reports as false.

The former Rivers State governor said he had not discussed the leadership or membership of the Presidential Campaign Council with anyone.

Wike explained that he was currently outside Nigeria after spending more than 30 days commissioning projects, flagging off new ones and inspecting ongoing projects in the Federal Capital Territory.

“I am outside Nigeria, resting and relaxing after spending over 30 days, commissioning projects, flagging off new ones and inspecting ongoing ones, especially those scheduled for commissioning in December and January, next year,” he said.

Wike reaffirms support for Tinubu

The FCT minister said that upon his return, his focus would remain on delivering his mandate and supporting the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also said he would continue working to strengthen Tinubu’s electoral prospects in Rivers State and the FCT ahead of the 2027 elections.

“When I return, our focus will be the continuous delivery of our mandate in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and to further enhance his electoral fortune in Rivers State and the FCT,” Wike said.

No campaign council position needed, says Wike

Wike maintained that he did not need to occupy any position in the APC Presidential Campaign Council to contribute to Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

He said his commitment to helping the President win in Rivers State and the FCT was independent of whether he was appointed as Director-General or made a member of the campaign council.

“Therefore, I do not need to be the DG or even member of the Presidential Campaign Council of Mr President’s political party to contribute my quota by ensuring that he wins handsomely in Rivers State and the FCT,” the statement quoted him as saying.

Wike’s comments come amid increasing political activities and realignments by politicians and political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.