Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has declared he will not allow his political career to face the same fate as some predecessors, vowing not to be politically buried ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The statement came during a visit to Okrika in Rivers State on Saturday, where Wike was on a thank-you tour of local governments in the state, thanking residents following his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.
During the event, Wike addressed concerns over past political missteps in Rivers State, which he said had led to the downfall of other figures, and affirmed his commitment to avoiding similar errors. He warned that repeating such mistakes would lead to political consequences for others, while he personally would not permit it. “If we make another mistake, they will go and bury themselves politically. I will not allow that to happen,” Wike stated. He emphasized the importance of honoring agreements in political arrangements, particularly referencing discussions with President Bola Tinubu regarding the governorship position in Rivers State. “Agreement is agreement,” Wike stated, adding that any reversal on this stance was “not an option.”
Wike further warned political opponents, stating that those challenging the positions of his Renewed Hope party would face confrontation. “If you are not an original member, we will face you in the field,” he said, predicting increased political activity and asserting that political opponents had “seen nothing yet.” “By the time we finish, they had better go and rest,” he declared.
The declarations reflect Wike’s determination to secure his political future ahead of the 2027 elections, as political maneuvering intensifies nationally. His remarks underscore ongoing disputes within the ruling coalition and broader tensions in Rivers State, where governance and leadership contests remain closely watched.