‘I didn’t lobby for APC campaign DG position’ — Wike

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has been reacting against reports claiming he has been lobbying to be appointed as the Director General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council before the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the report was described as “totally false” with Wike claiming he has not made any discussion with anyone regarding the position and membership of the proposed campaign council.

A national daily had earlier reported on Monday that Wike was among several politicians and government personalities who were allegedly lobbying for, or being considered, the position of the campaign council.

However, reacting to the reports, Wike assured that his unswerving commitment towards ensuring the victory of the President, Bola Tinubu, in 2027 was intact.

“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.