Wike denies lobbying for APC 2027 campaign DG

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

Wike made his position known on Monday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, while reacting to reports that he was among senior politicians and government officials being considered for the campaign position.

The former Rivers State governor said he had not lobbied for the position and had not discussed either the leadership or membership of the APC Presidential Campaign Council with anyone.

He also made it clear that his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term remains firm, despite not seeking a formal role in the President’s campaign structure.

According to the statement, Wike is currently outside Nigeria, where he is taking a break after spending more than 30 days attending to projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

During that period, he commissioned completed projects, launched new ones and inspected ongoing projects, including those expected to be ready for commissioning in December and January.
Wike said his attention would remain focused on carrying out his responsibilities as FCT minister when he returns to the country.

He also said he would continue supporting Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and work towards improving the President’s electoral chances in Rivers State and the FCT.

The minister maintained that he could contribute to Tinubu’s re-election without holding any position in the presidential campaign council.

He said his political support for the President in Rivers State and the FCT does not depend on being appointed as campaign council director-general or even becoming a member of the council.
The reports about Wike’s alleged interest in the position had emerged as political activities begin to increase ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Wike, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party, has remained an important political figure within the Federal Government under Tinubu. His support for the President during the 2023 election created tension within the PDP and later contributed to divisions among the party’s members.

Since Tinubu assumed office, Wike has continued to serve as FCT minister while also maintaining his political influence, particularly in Rivers State.
His latest statement therefore puts to rest, for now, speculation that he is seeking a top role in the APC’s campaign structure for the 2027 election.

Rather than seeking a formal campaign appointment, Wike said his priority would be the continued delivery of government projects and supporting the President’s political fortunes in Rivers State and the FCT.