2027 elections: Wike speaks on relocating to Rivers

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed speculation that he plans to relocate to Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike said his frequent visits to the state were aimed at staying connected with his people, monitoring political activities and ensuring that things were properly done.

He spoke on Wednesday during his monthly media parley with selected journalists in Abuja.

Wike said he could not afford to remain in Abuja and depend solely on assurances from political associates that everything was going well in Rivers State.

“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,” he said.

Wike said he needed to personally monitor developments rather than rely on reports from candidates and political associates.

“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,” he added.

Wike’s advice to Adeleke

The FCT minister also revealed that he advised Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to present his Certificate of Return to President Bola Tinubu after winning the state’s governorship election.

Wike said he also encouraged Adeleke to issue a public statement thanking the President after the election.

“I told Adeleke to call Mr President and go and present his certificate of return to him, I also told him to make a press statement thanking Mr President after the Osun election,” Wike said.

Adeleke won the August 15, 2026, Osun governorship election with 511,067 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.

The governor subsequently presented his Certificate of Return to President Tinubu and Wike.

Wike speaks on Atiku

Speaking on the 2027 political contest, Wike said he would remain actively involved and would not sit back while political developments unfold.

The former Rivers State governor specifically ruled out allowing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to win the presidential election without a fight.

“I can tell you my parents are still very much alive. Of course, this is time for politics.

“You want me to fold my hand for Atiku Abubakar to come and win the election?” Wike asked.

Wike’s comments come amid increasing political realignments and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.