FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has fired back at political opponents plotting against him, he says their efforts won’t shake his grip on Rivers State politics.
Wike made this clear ahead of the 2027 general elections, he believes real political power comes from the people, not online noise.
Wike’s 2027 stance comes as opposition figures push for a new coalition, many are hoping to weaken his influence before the next election cycle.
Wike remained confident about his ongoing reconciliation with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, he said the governor has shown genuine commitment to their agreement.
“As far as I am concerned, I don’t have any doubt that the governor is sincere. We have met and agreed on certain things. Before he travelled out, he told us he was going to submit a list of the members of his team that will form part of the campaign council, which he has done,” Wike said.
He urged skeptics to be patient with the reconciliation process, according to him, disagreements don’t automatically mean the effort has failed.
“When a leader says, ‘Look gentlemen, this is what I think,’ some people may not take it easy. It takes time. But on the part of the Governor, he is giving that support,” he said.
Wike also addressed claims from Labour Party supporters about the 2023 presidential election, he dismissed suggestions that their candidate won in Rivers State.
“They won by their own imagination. When did INEC declare that they won?” Wike asked.
He explained that Rivers State has over 7,000 polling units, according to him, a handful of results cannot represent the entire state.
“You see 50 polling units coming out to say ‘Obi has won’ in Port Harcourt, and they take it to the bank. What about the remaining 6,900-plus polling units?” he said.
Wike Rivers’ 2027 message stressed one central point repeatedly, online popularity, he argued, doesn’t guarantee real electoral success.
“You can win on social media, but I am talking practically about the results on the ground,” he said.
Wike traced his political journey back to his early leadership roles, he recalled becoming chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Council in 1999.
He also reflected on his difficult 2015 governorship victory, at the time, many doubted he could win against Rotimi Amaechi’s influence.
“In 2015, Rotimi Amaechi was Governor. They said because we are from the same area, it would be impossible for me to win. I said the people would decide. At the end of the day, I won,” he recalled.
He described 2019 as one of his toughest political battles yet, Wike alleged strong federal pressure was mounted against his re-election bid.
“In 2019, I had federal might against me. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) took it upon himself to ensure I was never returned. I saw soldiers; the Minister of Transportation was dictating terms, and the INEC office was practically moved to the division,” he alleged.
Despite the pressure, Wike said his connection with the people carried him through.
“Yet, despite everything that was done, I won. Why? Because when you are with your people, and they appreciate what you are doing, federal forces cannot stop you,” he said.
For the first time, Wike shared a personal story about his late friend, Herbert Wigwe, he recalled a private conversation just before the 2019 election.
“I am saying this for the first time; nobody knew,” Wike said.
He said Wigwe expressed concern for his safety during their meeting, Wigwe reportedly offered to help him navigate the tense political situation.
Wike quoted Wigwe as asking: “Look, everything is being done to ensure you cannot be returned. Is there any way I can help you adjust and save yourself?”
He said he firmly rejected the offer, standing by his innocence.
“I told him, ‘Herbert, I have nothing to save myself from because I have done nothing wrong. But let heaven come down, I am going to win this election’,” he recalled.
Wigwe later called him from Miami after the election results were announced.
“He called me all the way from Miami and said, ‘Nyesom, you won!’ I told him I knew I would, because leadership is about staying true to your people,” Wike said.
Looking toward 2027, Wike insisted political alliances alone won’t decide the outcome, he said leadership sometimes requires difficult truths, not popular opinions.
“Leadership is not about being unable to tell your people the truth,” he said.
He remained unshaken by predictions that 2027 could differ from 2023.
“So when people gather and say 2027 will not be like 2023, I laugh. Let them come to the grassroots and meet the people,” he said.
