‘I never lobbied for APC campaign DG job’ — Wike reaffirms support for Tinubu

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, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, described the report as false, insisting that he had never discussed the leadership or membership of the proposed campaign council with anyone.

A national newspaper had on Monday listed Wike among prominent political figures and government officials allegedly lobbying for, or being considered for, the position.

Reacting to the report, the FCT minister said his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election remained unwavering, but stressed that he did not need a position in the APC campaign council to contribute to the President’s electoral success.

“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,” Wike said.

He added that his priority upon returning would be to continue implementing the FCT mandate in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“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,” he said.

Wike further stated that he could support Tinubu’s re-election without being appointed to any campaign council position.

“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,” he said.

Wike, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party despite his open support for Tinubu, has repeatedly declared his backing for the President’s bid for a second term in 2027.