The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged security authorities to identify, question and take legal action against individuals or groups actively campaigning for former President Goodluck Jonathan’s alleged participation in the 2027 presidential election.
Wike expressed concern that ongoing efforts to promote Jonathan as a future presidential contender could heighten political anxiety and create avoidable divisions across the country. He warned that premature political campaigns built on speculation have the potential to disrupt public order and distract attention from more pressing national concerns.
During his routine media briefing in Abuja, the FCT minister questioned the basis upon which certain political actors have continued to market Jonathan as a presidential hopeful despite the absence of any official declaration from the former leader.
According to him, democratic systems provide clear procedures for producing candidates, and no individual should be portrayed as an aspirant solely because of endorsements, rumours or interpretations of political actions. He argued that political candidacy is determined through recognised party structures and electoral processes rather than public assumptions.
Wike explained that a person can only be regarded as a legitimate candidate after participating in party nomination exercises and emerging through established constitutional and electoral mechanisms. Until such requirements are fulfilled, he maintained, discussions about candidacy remain speculative.
He further criticised those pushing Jonathan’s name into the political arena without his direct approval, describing such actions as reckless and capable of generating unnecessary uncertainty within the nation’s political environment.
The controversy emerged following moves by a faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly associated with former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki, to project Jonathan as the party’s preferred choice for the next presidential election.
Members of the group had announced plans to formally adopt the former president as their candidate during a special gathering scheduled to take place in Abuja. However, Jonathan himself has not publicly indicated any intention to seek elective office in 2027.
Another PDP bloc believed to be aligned with Wike strongly opposed the proposed endorsement, insisting that the exercise lacked official backing from the party. The group argued that presenting Jonathan as a candidate without his consent was misleading and could create confusion among party members and the general public.
The faction also appealed to Jonathan to publicly clarify his position regarding the development. Additionally, it requested that security institutions investigate the organisers of the campaign, alleging that their activities could contribute to heightened political tension.
The disagreement intensified after security personnel reportedly shut down the venue designated for the endorsement programme in Abuja, effectively preventing the event from holding.
Addressing the development, Wike reiterated his commitment to preserving peace and stability within the Federal Capital Territory. He stressed that safeguarding public order remains one of the primary responsibilities of his administration and pledged that authorities would remain alert to any activity considered capable of threatening security.
The minister therefore called on law enforcement and intelligence agencies to closely monitor political developments and take necessary measures against individuals or organisations whose conduct could undermine harmony ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround Jonathan’s political future, as the former president has neither confirmed nor denied interest in contesting the presidency. His silence has continued to fuel public debate, leaving questions about his possible role in the next electoral cycle unanswered.
