Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that he remains firmly in control of the political structure in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike, who spoke with journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday during a media parly, described himself as the “General Commander of the Political Infantry,” insisting that occupying the office of governor is not a prerequisite for controlling a political structure.
Responding to questions about the influence of the incumbent Rivers State governor, the former governor said political control was not exclusively tied to the occupant of the Government House.
“You do not need to be governor before you can be in charge. I am the General Commander of the Political Infantry; therefore, I am in charge. So also in FCT. I owe the President to give these two. As far as the election is concerned, you count FCT as a state,” Wike said.
The minister said his return to Rivers was primarily to reconnect with his political supporters and spend time with his family, but acknowledged that the 2027 political season had also made it necessary for him to engage with his political base.
Wike said he would not fold his arms and allow former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to take control of the political space ahead of the 2027 election.
“It’s not about relocating; it’s about coming home to reconnect with my people and talk to them, not taking chances, so that they don’t just sit in Abuja and think everything is going well,” he said.
“I have to come back home and see how those things are going on. My coming home is very good and not only political. I have parents who are still alive; I have to see them and do other things.
“Politics, of course, this is the time. You want me to fold my hand for Atiku to come and win the election?” he asked.
Wike also defended his political influence by pointing to his record as Rivers governor, particularly the construction of 12 flyovers during his administration.
He said his performance in Rivers and the FCT had demonstrated that effective leadership could change public perception.
“I was a governor, not a governor of any other state but governor of Rivers State. People thought I just came. Before harmattan, there was cold. I didn’t just come from zero,” Wike said.
According to him, his administration in the FCT had also “changed the narrative” through the execution of major infrastructure projects.
“That’s why you have more enemies. If you take first in class, instead of people asking how you did it, some people will say every time he’s proving, as if he’s the only one who can take first. Go and take first; let’s see,” he added.
Wike further declared that the political dynamics in the FCT would make it difficult for any presidential candidate to secure the territory without confronting the political structure he has helped build.
“We have changed the narrative, and that’s why no party will win the President in FCT,” he stated.
