Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed growing speculation surrounding a possible return of former President Goodluck Jonathan to active presidential politics ahead of the 2027 general election.
Wike stated that no politician is drafted into an election contest without first indicating an interest in running for office.
The minister made the remarks on Monday during his monthly media briefing in Abuja while responding to questions about reports linking Jonathan to a potential presidential bid.
According to Wike, claims that political leaders are persuaded by the public to seek elective positions are often misleading, as aspirants typically signal their intentions before supporters begin mobilising on their behalf.
He maintained that political ambition usually originates from the individual seeking office and not from external pressure.
“You don’t go and bring somebody to run. Somebody will say I prefer to run and come and talk to you.
“Nobody sits there to say I mean…, nobody comes to you.
“When you hear sometimes politicians say people want me to come out, nobody wants anybody to come out. Nobody is sleeping inside and people will say come and run for an election. It’s either you have shown signal that you are interested.
“Did Jonathan ever express interest? He’s a former President and people should respect him. Nobody knows a candidate by body language.”
Wike’s comments come amid increasing political discussions and reports suggesting that some groups and factions within opposition parties are seeking to persuade Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The former Rivers State governor, however, stressed that there has been no public indication from Jonathan that he intends to return to the presidential race.
