October 24, (THEWILL) — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed speculations suggesting that former President Goodluck Jonathan is planning a political comeback ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a monthly media parley with journalists in Abuja on Friday, the former Rivers State governor faulted reports that Jonathan is being pressured to rejoin the presidential race.
Responding to the reports, Wike said there was no truth to the speculation, noting that Jonathan had never discussed such plans with him.
Wike said, “You’re the one telling me here. Jonathan has never told me; he has never called me one day to say, ‘look, I’m being pressured to run, what’s your thinking?’ If he calls me and asks, I’ll tell him my mind.
“I will not believe what’s written in newspapers or online reports. Just like you people said they flew me out of the country — and that turned out to be false.”
The minister also denied claims that he had endorsed former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as the consensus candidate for the position of PDP National Chairman.
“I don’t know about Tanimu Turaki becoming chairman. Maybe he’ll become chairman of another faction, but not the PDP I know,” Wike stated.
He further questioned the legality of the party’s planned convention, insisting he would not participate in a process he considered unlawful.
“How do you want me to attend a convention that I know by law does not exist?” he queried.
On the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Wike said he would appear in court if summoned as a witness.
THEWILL earlier reported that Kanu, who is facing a seven-count amended charge bordering on treason and terrorism, has listed 23 witnesses to testify in his defence.
Among those named are Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Wike; former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN); and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd).
Others include Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and former DSS Director-General, Yusuf Bichi.
When asked about being listed as a witness, Wike said he had not been served any summons but would honour the court if called upon.
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