By Ben Adoga, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports that he is lobbying to become Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, saying no formal campaign position is required for him to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.
Wike, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, described the reports as false and insisted that he had never discussed either the leadership or membership of the proposed campaign council with anyone.
Reports had listed the FCT Minister among prominent APC figures and government officials allegedly lobbying for or being considered for the campaign DG position ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
But Wike said his support for Tinubu was not dependent on securing a role in the President’s campaign structure.
“I did not at any time discuss leadership or even membership of the Presidential Campaign Council with anyone,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor also reaffirmed his commitment to Tinubu’s re-election, particularly his determination to support the President’s electoral fortunes in Rivers State and the FCT.
He argued that holding a position in the campaign council was unnecessary for him to contribute to the President’s victory.
“Therefore, I do not need to be the DG or even a member of the Presidential Campaign Council of Mr President’s political party to contribute my quota,” Wike said.
The Minister said his immediate priority remained the implementation of his mandate in the FCT and supporting projects aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Wike disclosed that he was currently outside Nigeria after spending more than 30 days commissioning completed projects, flagging off new projects and inspecting ongoing developments in the 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,” he said.
He said his attention would return to governance and project delivery upon his arrival, while efforts would also be made to strengthen Tinubu’s electoral prospects in Rivers State and the FCT.
“When I return, our focus will be the continuous delivery of our mandate in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and to enhance further his electoral fortune in Rivers State and the FCT,” he said.
Wike maintained that his political commitment to Tinubu did not require an official appointment within the APC campaign organisation.
He said he was prepared to work towards securing a decisive victory for the President in both Rivers and the FCT without holding any formal campaign office.
“I will ensure that Tinubu wins with wide margins in Rivers and the FCT,” he said.
