The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed speculations suggesting that he would run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, pledged his commitment to supporting Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that having been appointed FCT minister by Tinubu, he would not contest against his principal.
Addressing the issue on a live television program in Abuja, Wike stressed the importance of maintaining good character in politics, noting that he stands against compromising principles for political gains.
He reiterated his dedication to the success of Tinubu’s administration, citing the quest for justice as a key factor that led him and the G5 group of governors to support Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
Wike refuted allegations and attempts to undermine his political structure, stating, “Tinubu made me the FCT minister, and I won’t allow anybody to crumble our political structure.”
He highlighted the challenges faced in his relationship with Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State, cautioning against destructive actions that could harm the political structures that supported Fubara’s emergence.
Regarding land ownership in the FCT, Wike announced that existing landowners with Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) must undergo recertification to incorporate new features.
He disclosed that the recertification process would include obtaining a National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN), aiming to enhance security measures.
Wike emphasized the importance of these additional details to address discrepancies and cloning of C-of-Os.
Existing landlords with C-of-Os would only be required to pay a nominal fee for recertification, with individuals paying N50,000 each and corporate bodies paying N100,000 each.
Wike highlighted the benefits of incorporating NIN and BVN in the new C-of-Os, such as improved security and enhanced revenue generation for the FCT.
