Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has publicly stated that former President Goodluck Jonathan has not informed him of any intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. This clarification comes amid growing speculation in political circles and media reports suggesting that Jonathan may be considering a return to the presidency.
Speaking during a media parley with journalists in Abuja, Wike addressed the rumors directly: “You’re the one telling me here. Jonathan has never told me; he has never called me one day to say], ‘Look, I’m being pressured to run, what’s your thinking?’ If he calls me and asks me, I will be able to tell him my mind and what I feel.”
Wike emphasized that he would only offer his opinion if Jonathan personally sought his counsel. He dismissed the notion that media speculation or political gossip should be taken as confirmation of any presidential ambition.
The statement comes at a time when Jonathan is reportedly under pressure from various Niger Delta stakeholders to either declare his candidacy or support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. Influential figures such as Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) have allegedly visited Jonathan to urge him to shelve any plans to return to power.
Wike also used the opportunity to reaffirm his own political stance, stating that he remains committed to President Tinubu’s administration and has no interest in pursuing the presidency himself.