The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports linking Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to a presidential ambition, describing such speculations as laughable and misplaced.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday night, Wike said leadership goes beyond academic credentials or professional titles, adding that Nigeria’s presidency requires experience, structure, and a deep understanding of governance.

Reacting to questions about Makinde’s alleged ambition, the former Rivers State governor laughed and said the rumour “made no sense,” stressing that the issue of leadership should not be reduced to political gossip.

“What’s that? We are talking about a breath of fresh air, and someone is bringing up such talk,” Wike said with a chuckle. “Let’s not trivialise what leadership means. This country is at a critical stage; it’s not the time for jokes.”

He emphasised that leadership demands vision and capacity, not paper qualifications or professional background. According to him, being a PhD holder, engineer, or lawyer does not automatically qualify anyone to become president.

“It’s not about holding a doctorate degree or being an engineer,” Wike stated.

“Leadership isn’t something you wake up one morning and declare you want. It takes order, structure, and genuine commitment to service.”

Wike also took a swipe at politicians who, according to him, pursue presidential ambitions merely to gain influence over their parties.

He questioned the sincerity of such individuals, arguing that true leaders should prioritise party unity over personal ambition.

“Some people just want to run for office so they can control the party,” he said.

“If you’re genuinely interested in leading, you won’t allow your party to descend into crisis. Tell me, who among them has contributed more to the PDP than I have, even till today?”

Wike’s remarks may deepen the subtle tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially among governors and party stakeholders positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, neither Makinde nor his aides have responded publicly to Wike’s comments. However, the discussion has since stirred reactions across social media, with many Nigerians debating the former governor’s view that leadership is built on capacity rather than credentials.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports linking Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to a presidential ambition, describing such speculations as laughable and misplaced.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday night, Wike said leadership goes beyond academic credentials or professional titles, adding that Nigeria’s presidency requires experience, structure, and a deep understanding of governance.

Reacting to questions about Makinde’s alleged ambition, the former Rivers State governor laughed and said the rumour “made no sense,” stressing that the issue of leadership should not be reduced to political gossip.

“What’s that? We are talking about a breath of fresh air, and someone is bringing up such talk,” Wike said with a chuckle. “Let’s not trivialise what leadership means. This country is at a critical stage; it’s not the time for jokes.”

He emphasised that leadership demands vision and capacity, not paper qualifications or professional background. According to him, being a PhD holder, engineer, or lawyer does not automatically qualify anyone to become president.

“It’s not about holding a doctorate degree or being an engineer,” Wike stated.

“Leadership isn’t something you wake up one morning and declare you want. It takes order, structure, and genuine commitment to service.”

Wike also took a swipe at politicians who, according to him, pursue presidential ambitions merely to gain influence over their parties.

He questioned the sincerity of such individuals, arguing that true leaders should prioritise party unity over personal ambition.

“Some people just want to run for office so they can control the party,” he said.

“If you’re genuinely interested in leading, you won’t allow your party to descend into crisis. Tell me, who among them has contributed more to the PDP than I have, even till today?”

Wike’s remarks may deepen the subtle tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially among governors and party stakeholders positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, neither Makinde nor his aides have responded publicly to Wike’s comments. However, the discussion has since stirred reactions across social media, with many Nigerians debating the former governor’s view that leadership is built on capacity rather than credentials.