2027: Wike Declares Himself ‘Political General Commander’ in Rivers, FCT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his influence over the political structure in Rivers State and the FCT, insisting that he remains a key player ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike made the assertion on Wednesday while speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during a visit to his home state.

The former Rivers State governor dismissed the suggestion that political control is exclusively tied to occupying the office of governor.

He said his political influence extends beyond his former position as governor, describing himself as the “General Commander of the Political Infantry.”

Wike explained that his return to Rivers was partly to reconnect with his supporters and assess developments within his political base ahead of the next general elections.

According to him, remaining in Abuja and relying solely on reports would not give him an accurate picture of what was happening on the ground.

The FCT minister also said his visit had personal significance, noting that he still has parents in Rivers whom he needed to visit and spend time with.

However, Wike made it clear that political calculations were also part of his return, questioning whether he should remain inactive while opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, worked towards securing political advantage ahead of 2027.

Wike also drew attention to his record as Rivers governor, particularly the construction of 12 flyovers, as evidence of his capacity to deliver major projects.

He said his performance in Rivers and subsequent work in the FCT demonstrated that difficult projects could be accomplished with determination and effective leadership.

The minister argued that his achievements had altered public expectations of governance, although he acknowledged that his success had also attracted criticism from political opponents.

Speaking about the FCT’s political importance, Wike maintained that the territory should be treated as a major electoral battleground in the 2027 presidential election.

His comments come as political activities and alignments intensify across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political leaders increasingly consolidating their support bases and positioning themselves for the contest.