‘He’s a former President, respect him’ – Wike speaks on calls for Jonathan to contest

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed talks about the comeback of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2027 general election.

Wike said no politician is being pressured or persuaded by the public to contest elections, insisting that aspirants usually signal their interest before receiving support.

Wike made the remarks on Monday while fielding questions during his monthly media parley in Abuja, where he spoke on speculations surrounding Jonathan’s rumoured political ambition.

According to the FCT minister, no politician is drafted into an election race without first indicating a willingness to contest.

He argued that narratives suggesting that political figures are being persuaded by the public to seek office are often misleading.

Wike maintained that individuals who eventually contest elections usually have already expressed interest, either directly or indirectly, before supporters begin mobilising around them.

Wike said: “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.”