Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to remain politically active in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying he would not sit back and allow former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to win the election.
Wike made the declaration on Wednesday during his monthly media parley with selected journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The former Rivers State governor also dismissed speculation that his frequent visits to the state meant he was planning to relocate from Abuja.
Wike explained that his return to Rivers was necessary to maintain contact with his political base, monitor developments and remain actively involved as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify.
“You want me to fold my hand for Atiku Abubakar to come and win the election?” Wike asked.
The FCT minister insisted that his regular presence in Rivers did not mean he was abandoning his responsibilities in Abuja or preparing to leave the nation’s capital.
“It’s not about relocating; it’s about coming home to relate with the people and talk to them, and also do those things you know how to do very well, not to take chances,” he said.
“So, I’m not relocating. I don’t need to relocate, but I also have to be in touch with my people so that I don’t just sit in Abuja and then say that everything is going on there well,” Wike added.
He said he would not rely solely on assurances from political associates that everything was under control in Rivers State, stressing the importance of personally assessing developments on the ground.
“I don’t want to sit in Abuja and candidates are saying, ‘Oh, don’t bother, everything is going on well’. I have to come home and see that all those things are going on. ‘Have you done this? What about this?’” he said.
Wike stressed that the political climate ahead of the 2027 election required active engagement and regular interaction with his supporters and political associates.
He said his continued presence in Rivers should therefore not be interpreted as an intention to relocate from Abuja, noting that his family and longstanding political relationships remained rooted in the state.
The minister added that his parents were still alive and that he maintained strong personal and political ties in Rivers, making regular visits necessary as preparations for the 2027 political contest gather momentum.
Source: Wike’s monthly media parley
