Wike denies endorsing Labour Party's Ishaku Abbo for Adamawa governor

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied endorsing the Labour Party's governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Senator Ishaku Abbo, calling a social media post making the claim fake.

The denial came on Friday through Wike's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, according to statements reported by several outlets.

The post that spread online was said to quote Wike telling Adamawa residents to make informed and thoughtful choices at the ballot, and describing Abbo as the best person to lead the state.

Olayinka's statement said the minister has no relationship with the Labour Party or any of its candidates in Adamawa State. Wike, it said, did not at any time endorse Abbo or any other Labour Party candidate.

Why it matters

Adamawa is one of the states where the governorship race is already drawing attention ahead of next year's election. A claim that the FCT minister was backing a candidate would carry weight with voters weighing their options.

Wike's office asked the people of Adamawa to disregard the report, describing it as false and misleading.

He said he would personally announce his political position whenever he decides to support a candidate. "Whoever I am supporting, I will use my own mouth to say it," Wike said in the statement.

The minister's spokesperson did not say who, if anyone, Wike is backing in the Adamawa race, and no other candidate was named in the statements.

What happens next

For now, the denial leaves the Adamawa governorship contest without any stated endorsement from Wike. Voters there will hear directly from him, his office says, if and when he chooses to declare support for anyone.

Until then, the social media post should be treated as unverified, according to the minister's office.