Wike statement on Jonathan 2027 ambition
Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has stated that Goodluck Jonathan has not informed him personally of any intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. Speaking during a media parley in Abuja, Wike emphasised that the speculation surrounding Jonathan’s possible presidential ambition remains unconfirmed by Jonathan himself.
Wike explained that although there are persistent rumours of pressure to ask Jonathan to run in 2027, the former president has never reached out to him to discuss such plans. He said: “Jonathan has never told me; he has never called me one day that, look, I’m being pressured to run, what’s your thinking?” He added that he would respond candidly if Jonathan did consult him, but until that happens, he will not assume the reports are accurate.
In the remarks, Wike also addressed growing concerns within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) about its internal organisation and its ability to challenge the ruling party. He described the PDP as weakened due to internal impunity, lack of democracy within, and mass defections of governors. He warned that the party lacked moral standing to reclaim power in 2027 if it remained disunited.
The context of Wike’s remarks is a political environment in which Jonathan’s possible return to the presidential race has been a recurring subject of discussion. Some influential actors in the Niger Delta and within the PDP have reportedly urged Jonathan to either contest or support another candidate, yet Wike insists that nothing has been formally communicated to him.
This clarification comes at a time when speculation on candidate line-ups for 2027, especially within the opposition space, is growing. Wike’s focus appears to be on addressing the structural challenges within his former party and distancing himself from unverified media narratives.
