File Photo: FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
The Obidient Movement has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against interfering with the 2027 general elections, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure a free, fair and credible process.
The movement said Wike’s recent declaration that he was leading President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State raised concerns about the integrity of the elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Media and Communications Directorate, the group said no politician or political party had the right to determine electoral outcomes before votes were cast.
On Monday, Wike declared himself the field commander of Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the FCT and Rivers State, saying he was in charge of political operations in both territories.
Reacting, the movement said, “Wike must understand that coordinating a political campaign does not confer ownership of the electorate, control over voters, or authority over the electoral process.”
It added that the electoral process must remain under the relevant institutions and be guided by the choices of voters.
“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,” the statement read.
The movement urged Wike and other politicians seeking victory for their preferred candidates to campaign and allow voters to decide the outcome.
“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,” it said.
The group also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to address concerns surrounding the conduct of the 2027 elections and demonstrate impartiality.
It said, “The Obidient Movement warns that any attempt by Wike, his political associates, or anyone else to manipulate the 2027 elections must be treated as an unforgivable electoral offence.”
The movement further urged Nigerians to monitor the electoral process, document irregularities and report credible evidence of malpractice.
“We therefore call on Nigerians to remain vigilant, protect their votes through EVERY MEANS POSSIBLE, document electoral irregularities, and report credible evidence for all Nigerians to see,” the statement added.
It said electoral offences should attract appropriate consequences, regardless of the political status of those involved, while urging citizens to pursue accountability through lawful means.
The movement also warned against interpreting public patience as acceptance of electoral malpractice.
“Wike should not mistake the patience of Nigerians for weakness. The people are watching. The world is watching. The era in which political power could be used to intimidate citizens and escape accountability must end,” it said.
The group maintained that the 2027 elections should be determined by the electorate rather than political influence.
“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 read.