2027: WIKE REFUTES CLAIMS OF ENDORSING CANDIDATES FOR RIVERS ELECTIONS
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that he has not endorsed any candidate for upcoming political contests in Rivers State, emphasizing that such decisions are the responsibility of party elders.
Wike made the remarks on Monday night while addressing a joint gathering of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders from Rivers State at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
In a video of the meeting shared on Tuesday by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, via X, the minister warned against rushing endorsements, noting that personal ambitions were causing divisions within the political group.
“I have not promised support to anyone. The only commitment I have made, on my behalf and yours, is that we will support President Bola Tinubu,” Wike told the stakeholders.
He added that the group’s current political strength is founded on unity and dedication, not financial influence, and highlighted efforts by external forces to sow discord among members.
“If we were not united and working together, it would be difficult. People are unhappy that we are coordinated, so they look for ways to create division,” he said.
Wike also expressed disappointment with some individuals who, after benefiting from appointments facilitated by the group, had turned to criticize its leadership.
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“Woe be unto the person that we have given an appointment [who] goes back to castigate,” he said, noting that many who once sought his mentorship could no longer look him in the eye.
On upcoming political activities, Wike dismissed claims of private endorsements for local offices, maintaining that his public and private positions remain consistent.
He clarified that he has not endorsed any candidate for either the PDP or APC at the state level and will refrain from doing so until party elders convene to make a collective decision.
Wike added that the only endorsement currently recognised by the group is for President Bola Tinubu.
Emphasizing his transparency, the minister said, “Anything I say at night is what I will say during the day.”
He also praised council chairmen, Rivers elders, and the leadership of both parties for their coordination in mobilising stakeholders for the meeting, noting that the absence of complaints about inclusiveness reflected the gathering’s success.
The statement comes amid a prolonged political rift between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The two were once close allies, with Wike playing a key role in Fubara’s rise to the governorship in 2023.
However, tensions escalated shortly after Fubara assumed office, triggering a prolonged crisis that required multiple interventions by President Bola Tinubu.
The 2027 election remains uncertain, with questions over whether Fubara will seek re-election and how the state’s political power blocs will realign in the oil-rich region.
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