Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed growing speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan may return to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike said politicians are never compelled by public pressure to seek elective office, stressing that aspirants typically indicate their intentions before attracting support from political stakeholders and the electorate.
The former Rivers State governor made the remarks while responding to questions about reports linking Jonathan to a possible return to active politics ahead of the next general election.
According to Wike, claims that political figures are persuaded by the public to contest elections are often misleading, as interested candidates usually signal their ambitions long before any mobilisation begins.
“You don’t go and bring somebody to run. Somebody will say, ‘I prefer to run’ and come and talk to you,” Wike stated.
He argued that no politician simply remains inactive while supporters suddenly emerge to draft them into an electoral contest.
“When you hear politicians say people want them to come out, nobody wants anybody to come out. Nobody is sitting somewhere and people just come and ask them to run for election. It’s because they have shown some level of interest,” he said.
Wike also questioned the basis of the speculation surrounding Jonathan, noting that the former president has not publicly expressed any desire to seek elective office in 2027.
“Did Jonathan ever express interest? He is a former President and people should respect him. Nobody knows a candidate by body language,” the minister added.
His comments come amid increasing political discussions and speculation over possible contenders for the 2027 presidential election.