The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports that he is lobbying to become Director-General (DG) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, the minister said he remained committed to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid but had no interest in seeking a position in the campaign council.
Wike said he did not need to be the DG, or even a member, of the President’s campaign council to contribute to his re-election efforts in Rivers State and the FCT.
Some media reports had listed the FCT minister among senior party leaders and government officials allegedly lobbying for, or being considered for, the position of DG of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
Reacting to the reports, however, Olayinka said Wike had not discussed the leadership or membership of the campaign council with anyone.
The minister said he was currently outside Nigeria, taking a break after spending more than 30 days commissioning projects, flagging off new ones and inspecting ongoing projects in the FCT.
“I am outside Nigeria, resting and relaxing after spending over 30 days commissioning projects, flagging off new ones and inspecting ongoing ones, especially those scheduled for commissioning in December and January next year,” he said.
Wike added that, upon his return, his priority would remain the implementation of his mandate in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“When I return, our focus will be the continuous delivery of our mandate in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and to further enhance his electoral fortune in Rivers State and the FCT,” he said.
He maintained that he could support the President’s re-election without holding any position in the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
“Therefore, I do not need to be the DG or even a member of the Presidential Campaign Council of Mr President’s political party to contribute my quota by ensuring that he wins handsomely in Rivers State and the FCT,” Wike said.
