Wike dismisses Jonathan 2027 comeback talk, urges respect for ex-President

  Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike , has rejected growing speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan m...

 

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has rejected growing speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan may be preparing to contest the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Monday during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike said no politician is simply “dragged” into an election race without first showing interest.

He argued that public narratives suggesting that political figures are persuaded or pressured to run for office are often misleading.

According to him, those who eventually become candidates usually signal their intentions—directly or indirectly—before any form of mobilisation begins around them.

Wike said: “You don’t just bring somebody to run. A person will first indicate interest before people start talking to you.”

He added that it is unrealistic to assume that individuals are being pushed into politics without prior ambition, stressing that political participation is typically intentional.

On the rumours surrounding Jonathan, Wike was more direct, saying there is no evidence the former president has shown interest in returning to the race.

“Did Jonathan ever express interest? He is a former President and people should respect him,” he said.

He also dismissed the idea that candidates emerge based on “body language,” insisting that political ambition must be clearly communicated rather than assumed.