The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed attempts by political opponents to weaken his influence in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections. Wike stated that political battles are ultimately decided by the people, not on social media. He expressed confidence in the ongoing reconciliation between him and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing the governor's sincerity in implementing agreements reached between them.
Wike urged those yet to embrace reconciliation to give the process time, stressing that the overriding objective should be to work together. He also took a swipe at claims by supporters of the Labour Party and the "Obidient" movement that they won the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State. Wike argued that such claims were based on results from limited polling units in urban areas and did not reflect the overall result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to Wike, Rivers State has more than 7,000 polling units, and victory cannot be determined by results posted from a few polling units in Port Harcourt. He added that while one can win on social media, he is talking practically about the results on the ground. Wike's comments come against the backdrop of political realignments and opposition efforts to build a coalition against his political structure.
Wike traced his political survival to his grassroots connection, recalling his emergence as chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Council in 1999 and his subsequent re-election in 2004. He also recalled the circumstances surrounding his victory in the 2015 governorship election against the backdrop of the political influence of former Governor and minister, Rotimi Amaechi.
The FCT Minister described the 2019 governorship election as one of the most difficult political battles of his career, alleging that federal forces were mobilised against his re-election. Wike disclosed a conversation he had with his late friend and former Group Managing Director of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, shortly before the 2019 governorship election. Wigwe expressed concern about the political situation and Wike's safety.
Wike quoted Wigwe as asking if there was any way he could help Wike adjust and save himself, but Wike rejected the suggestion, insisting that he had done nothing wrong and was confident of victory. Wigwe later called Wike from Miami after the election to congratulate him on his victory. Wike said he won the election because of his relationship with the people, and federal forces could not stop him.
Looking ahead to 2027, Wike said political calculations and alliances would not automatically translate into electoral victory. He recalled his decision during the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary and subsequent political developments, saying leaders must sometimes take difficult positions rather than simply follow popular sentiment within political circles. Wike challenged opponents to meet Rivers people, saying let them come to the grassroots.
Key points
- Wike's political base in Rivers State is rooted in his grassroots connection.
- Wike dismisses attempts by opponents to weaken his influence on social media.
- Wike expresses confidence in the ongoing reconciliation with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
