The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has officially cleared the air regarding his involvement in the 2027 Rivers State governorship race. Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Monday night, Wike declared that he has not endorsed any individual for the Government House or any other elective office. He insisted that the power to choose the next set of leaders for the state resides solely with the established Council of Elders.
The former governor emphasized that the era of political imposition in Rivers State is over, signaling a departure from previous transition patterns. He noted that any attempt to force a candidate on the people would be met with stiff resistance from the electorate. This statement has sparked intense discussion among political observers who have been speculating on Wike’s next move in his home state.
Elders council to lead the selection process
Wike clarified that the responsibility for identifying and vetting potential candidates lies with the Elders Council, currently led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba. He maintained that no single individual, including himself, holds the authority to handpick a successor or dictate the political future of the state. The minister believes that a collective decision-making process is the only way to ensure stability and progress for all Rivers people.
By delegating this task to the elders, Wike appears to be promoting a more inclusive approach to party internal democracy. He argued that the mistakes of the past, where candidates were imposed without broad consultation, must not be repeated in the 2027 cycle. This move is seen by some as a strategy to maintain the unity of his political family while deflecting personal criticism.
Reaffirming total support for President Tinubu
While he remained neutral on the state level, the FCT Minister was very vocal about his alignment at the federal level. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the reelection bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. Wike stated that his primary political focus for now is ensuring the success of the “Renewed Hope” administration.
“My only commitment for now is to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I have never hidden that,” Wike told the gathered stakeholders from both the APC and the PDP. This dual-party attendance highlights the unique “merged” political structure Wike has cultivated since the last election cycle. He urged his followers to stay focused on this national goal while the state issues are sorted out by the traditional leadership.
Warning against divisions and external interference
During the meeting at his Life Camp residence, Wike warned aspirants against relying on deceit or secret endorsements to gain an advantage. He noted that some external forces are actively working to destabilize the growing coalition between the APC and PDP factions in Rivers State. According to him, the unity of the group is their greatest strength and the primary reason why their detractors are “unhappy.”
The minister also expressed deep disappointment with some beneficiaries of political appointments who have recently turned against the group’s leadership. He described such behavior as a “failure of character” and a betrayal of the collective struggle. Wike cautioned that those who seek to create divisions driven by personal ambition will ultimately find themselves isolated from the mainstream political flow.
The role of the Rivers House of Assembly
Wike also took a moment to acknowledge the legislative arm of the state, specifically the faction led by Martin Amaewhule. He described their actions as “pivotal” to the ongoing political developments and the protection of democratic values in Rivers. This public backing reinforces the minister’s stance in the ongoing legal and political battles involving the state’s executive and legislative branches.
He concluded by commending the council chairmen and party leaders for fostering an environment of inclusiveness and coordination. The absence of complaints during the stakeholders’ meeting was, in his view, a reflection of the group’s successful organization. As the 2027 race draws closer, the “Wike factor” remains the most significant variable in the complex equation of Rivers State politics.
