The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sent a clear message to his political detractors, asserting that his position in the federal cabinet is secure so long as he retains the confidence of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Sunday, January 11, 2026, during a high-octane “thank-you” visit to his home base of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the former governor also issued a stern warning to his rivals in Rivers State, declaring that the area’s massive voting strength would be used as a tool for political retribution in future elections.
Addressing a massive gathering of party stalwarts, traditional rulers, and youth groups, Wike framed politics as a gritty struggle for interests rather than a theater for emotions. He drew a global parallel to illustrate his point on the necessity of raw political leverage.
“There is no sentiment, there is no emotion. Politics is an interest; the interest of your people. Power is not given; we struggle for it. After all, if Donald Trump did not have power, would he go to Venezuela to pick a president? He wouldn’t. Because he has power, that’s why he can act,” Wike declared.
Wike, who is currently touring the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State to galvanize support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls, reminded the state that his home LGA remains the ultimate “deciding factor” in any gubernatorial or senatorial race. He mocked critics whose constituencies hold less electoral weight.
“So for the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor. All these people commenting from the sidelines, ask them if their local government, which produced only 5,000 votes, can challenge one that produced 40 per cent of the votes? Let us see how it will work,” he challenged.
Vowing to exert this influence at the ballot box, he added: “We will use our strength to punish them. Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making the pronouncement. Nobody has become the senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor deciding. So, if you like abusing us, after abusing us, come and look for the votes—and we will punish you with the votes.”
The Minister also addressed the growing chorus from certain quarters calling for his sack from the FCT Ministry. Wike dismissed these demands as noise, stating that his accountability is solely to the man who appointed him.
“Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right, not that you should tell him. I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians know we have not disappointed them in the FCT,” he stated.
The visit saw a massive display of loyalty from local and state leaders. The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, described Wike as an indispensable asset, signaling that the council has already made up its mind regarding the 2027 political cycle.
“When it comes to who should be President of Nigeria in 2027, we know where to go. As for the governorship of Rivers State, we know where not to go. We will not go the way of ingratitude, disappointment, or disloyalty,” Worlu remarked.
This sentiment was echoed by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, who led a delegation of lawmakers to the event.
“On behalf of the RSHA, we assure you of our prayers and support as you continue to support Mr President. Don’t bother about detractors. The real people of Nigeria know your worth. They know you are helping the President deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Amaewhule said.
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