The Obidient Movement has cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against any attempt to influence the outcome of the 2027 general elections following his declaration that he would serve as field commander for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the FCT and Rivers State.
The movement said Wike’s role in the campaign should not be interpreted as giving him control over voters or the electoral process, insisting that the decision on who governs Nigeria rests with the electorate.
In a statement issued on Wednesday through its Media and Communications Directorate, the group maintained that the 2027 election belongs to Nigerians and should not be treated as the personal contest of any politician or political party.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take necessary steps to protect the integrity of the election and ensure that the process is free, fair and credible.
The movement urged Wike and other political actors to campaign for their preferred candidates without interfering with voters’ choices.
According to the group, anyone seeking victory for Tinubu or the All Progressives Congress (APC) should present the administration’s record to Nigerians and allow voters to determine the outcome at the ballot box.
“Wike must understand that coordinating a political campaign does not confer ownership of the electorate, control over voters, or authority over the electoral process,” the statement said.
The group further argued that neither Rivers State nor the FCT belonged to any political leader, party or influential political figure.
“Rivers State belongs to its people. The Federal Capital Territory belongs to the Nigerian people. Neither belongs to Wike, Tinubu, the APC, or any political godfather. Nigerians alone have the constitutional right to determine who governs them through free, fair and credible elections,” it added.
Obidient Movement Calls For Electoral Vigilance
The movement also warned against any attempt by Wike, his associates or other political actors to manipulate the 2027 elections, describing such conduct as a serious electoral offence.
It urged Nigerians to remain alert throughout the electoral process, document suspected irregularities and make credible evidence of malpractice available to the appropriate authorities and the public.
The group stressed that political campaigns should be conducted within the bounds of the law, adding that the ultimate decision must be determined by the votes cast by Nigerians.
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“If Wike believes the APC deserves victory, he should campaign for it and allow the people to decide. If he believes that Tinubu’s performance will earn him another term, he should present that record to Nigerians and submit himself to the verdict of the ballot box,” the statement said.
The movement also cautioned against using political influence to intimidate citizens, saying Nigerians and the international community would be watching the conduct of the election.
It added that citizens should not mistake their patience for weakness, insisting that political power must not be used to undermine electoral accountability.
Reiterating its position, the group called on Wike and the APC to campaign for their preferred candidates while allowing Nigerians to make their choices freely.
“The 2027 election is not Wike’s personal battle. It is not Tinubu’s private property. It is not the APC’s entitlement. It belongs to the Nigerian people. Let Wike campaign. Let the APC campaign. Let Nigerians vote. And let the votes count,” the statement concluded.