Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed assertions that he secretly supported the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recent Rivers State local government elections on Saturday, August 30.
He insisted that his political influence was limited to his own council area, where he openly campaigned for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“You always say Wike cannot influence what happens in other local governments. He can only influence what happens in his own local government,” he said during a media parley in Abuja.
“I have an influence, I campaigned for my people to vote for PDP, and my people have voted for PDP in my local government. Now you are angry that APC won in their local governments, which means why did I not extend the influence I didn’t have?”
The Minister stressed that the outcome reflected the will of the people across different local councils, not his personal clout.
Wike was speaking on Monday during his usual monthly media parley he holds with a select media house.
Wike Faults Alleged APC–PDP Alliance
The FCT Minister dismissed rumours that the results were the product of a secret alliance between APC and PDP.
“The last time I raised this issue of collaboration between APC and PDP, I said you are free to go and research even what you said. You don’t even have the facts,” he said.
He challenged journalists to dig deeper instead of spreading unverified claims. “If I were you, what you would have done was to go and research which parties were participating and then come back with facts.”
Wike stressed that the PDP won convincingly in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, areas he described as his strongholds. “These are local governments won by PDP. What happened in Rivers State on Saturday is what we are going to see in 2027,” he declared.
The Minister accused sections of the media of fuelling misinformation. “It’s not my fault that you refuse to do your work. If you want to go to this area, you have to be a researcher,” he said.
Legality of Polls and Tinubu’s 2027 Chances
Asked to comment on the legality of the elections during a period of a state of emergency, Wike insisted the election was in order since President Bola Tinubu acted within the law in proclaiming the emergency rule.
“Have you read about the Emergency Powers Act of 2004 that was signed by President Olusegun Obasanjo? What does it say? The President has power to suspend or modify subsections of the law under emergency rule,” he explained.
According to him, the elections were necessary to keep local governments functional and able to access funds from the Federation Account.
“If this election is not conducted, and then the governor comes in, the state legislature comes in, how will local government access funds? How will civil servants be paid? You will have a crisis,” Wike argued.
Turning to national politics, Wike dismissed talk of a 2027 run-off as fantasy.
Referencing a comment made by Malam Nasir El-Rufai that Tinubu will come in a distant third position in the 2027 presidential poll, Wike replied, “My friend goofed. Since I know Tinubu will come third, he should have also provided who will be first and second. Which run-off? Who to who? It’s not possible. I will put a bet that if Tinubu contests, he will win squarely.”
He urged opposition leaders to focus on real strategy instead of endless complaints.
“Tell me which election in this country people did not accuse the winner? Mention one. Apart from Jonathan, who conceded defeat, no one has.”
Wike Closes The Door Against Obi
On the viability of PDP bringing back Peter Obi, a former member and now part of the coalition, Wike slammed the door at such a prospect as “risking self-destruction” for the party.
“To what? Bringing Obi to where? You want to kill the party? Obi that was abusing the party, saying it is rotten—so the party is now good enough for him? Ambition can make people even go to Satan’s house,” Wike said.
The minister stressed that such a decision would further erode the party’s credibility and destroy any remaining ideological foundation.
“If you want to destroy this party, dare it—bring Obi. There’s no way he will come back just because of ambition. No more ideology, no longer principle,” he added.
Wike maintained that he stood by his long-held position that equity, justice, and zoning remain the only viable path for the PDP to regain national relevance.
Do you agree with Wike that the Rivers poll is lawful and reflected the will of the people, or was there more behind the results? Can opposition parties truly build enough momentum to challenge Tinubu in 2027, as Wike dismisses? Comment.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles. You can also Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
