Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has thrown cold water on speculations that former President Goodluck Jonathan will contest the 2027 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking to journalists, Wike insisted he has never heard Jonathan personally declare any intention to run, describing the claim by a PDP faction as fraudulent.
Wike's Reaction to Turaki Faction's Claim
The controversy stems from the Turaki-led PDP camp, which has presented Jonathan as its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections. Wike, a key figure in the PDP, did not mince words when asked to evaluate the claim.
"I never heard President Jonathan say he is running for president. I always told you there are many people running 419 of different categories," Wike said, using the popular Nigerian slang for internet fraud to characterise the assertion.
The FCT minister directed journalists to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for clarity, noting that INEC had uploaded its candidate list. He urged reporters to verify who had formally filed to run and who had not, rather than relying on the claims of political groupings.
Wike Maintains Good Relationship with Jonathan
Despite the political crossfire, Wike said his personal ties with the former president remain intact. "I still have a good relationship with Mr President," he said, referring to Jonathan, who served as Nigeria's leader from 2010 to 2015.
The minister's comments cast serious doubt on the legitimacy of the Turaki camp's claim that Jonathan is their flagbearer. By framing the situation as one where individuals are exploiting Jonathan's name without his declared consent, Wike effectively distanced the former president from that political grouping.
Political observers note that the 2027 presidential race is already generating intense speculation, with various factions within major parties positioning themselves. The PDP, in particular, has seen internal divisions, and the Turaki-led faction appears to be staking a claim by invoking Jonathan's name.
Nigerians React to Wike's Statement
Nigerians have started reacting to the revelation by the FCT minister concerning the return of Jonathan in the 2027 elections. Below are some of their comments:
Kelvin Eze took the side of the FCT minister: "It come be like say, some people wan use Jonathan name run 419. Wike don expose am. Nawa o, different categories indeed."
Ọláńrewájú Ìdòwú expressed satisfaction with the rejection of Jonathan: "They wanted to use GEJ to cut into President Tinubu's South-South vote. I'm glad INEC has put them to shame."
Enigma said Wike was being blunt: "Wike is so hilarious. He doesn't mince words. The lesson teacher himself."
Loveline explained the position of the minister: "Politics is full of claims, but official records tell the story. Wike dismisses the speculation and insists Jonathan isn't in the race."
Background: Wike and Fubara Dispute
Wike's latest comments came during a special media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, August 1, where he also addressed his fallout with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. At that event, Wike said Fubara began listening to people who wanted him to fail and who advised him to start a fight with the minister.
The minister denied rumours that he asked Fubara for money, saying such claims do not hold water given his position. The media chat, which spanned several hours, highlighted the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State and the wider PDP.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the role of INEC in providing an authoritative list of candidates becomes increasingly critical. Wike's insistence on checking the official INEC list serves as a reminder that political posturing often outpaces formal declarations.
For now, the former president has remained silent on the matter, leaving room for further speculation. Until Jonathan himself makes a statement or INEC's list is updated, the question of his candidacy remains unresolved.
