The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has issued a stark political warning in his home state of Rivers, declaring that power in the 2027 elections will not be gifted based on last-minute loyalty or slogan-chasing, but must be earned through demonstrated trust and grassroots credibility.
Speaking on Monday during a thank-you visit to Omuma Local Government Area, the former Rivers governor set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested political season, distancing himself from campaign rhetoric and asserting his alignment with President Bola Tinubu.
A Warning Against Opportunism
In a clear message to aspirants, Wike dismissed political opportunism, stating that relevance cannot be bought or assumed through media hype. “Power is not given freely. Politics is not a gift. Mandates are earned, defended and protected. Nobody dashes power,” he declared.
He stressed that his visit was apolitical in nature, focused solely on gratitude. “I did not come here to play politics. I came here for one clear reason: to say thank you. All this while, you have stood with us, even when many believed we were finished politically,” Wike told supporters.
Principles Over Party: Revisiting 2023
Wike revisited the principles that guided his much-debated stance in the 2023 presidential election, framing it as a matter of national equity rather than partisan loyalty.
“It was not about party politics. It was about equity, fairness and justice… Equity demanded that the presidency return to the South, and we stood firmly on that principle,” he explained, justifying his support for Tinubu, the southern candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Showcasing Strength and Issuing a 2027 Battle Cry
Highlighting the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) continued dominance at the state level in Rivers, Wike pointed to its sweep of the Senate, House of Representatives, State Assembly, and governorship seats as proof of enduring political strength.
Looking ahead, he issued a clear battle cry for 2027, warning allies to be prepared and removing any ambiguity about his national alignment.
“From January, politics begins. Be prepared… Whatever the President says, know that is exactly where I stand. There is alignment. There is clarity. There is no ambiguity,” Wike stated, firmly tying his political fortunes to Tinubu’s agenda.
The Paramountcy of Trust and Integrity
The minister concluded by emphasizing the non-negotiable value of integrity and loyalty in politics. “Trust is everything. Agreements matter, whether written or verbal. No amount of money should make anyone abandon integrity,” he stated, drawing a line between steadfast allies and fair-weather followers.
His final warning reiterated the core message: “If you choose one direction or another, that is your decision. But understand this clearly: power is not for dash.”
The speech solidifies Wike’s position as a kingmaker who will demand proven loyalty, while also formally announcing his full political alignment with President Tinubu as the battle for 2027 begins to take shape.
