The Obidient Movement has raised concerns over FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s reported ambition to deliver the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections, warning that such political declarations must not undermine electoral credibility.
The movement urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to strengthen safeguards against intimidation, manipulation and any attempt to compromise the electoral process.
In a press statement dated October 14 and signed by its Director of Media and Communications, Onyeka Dike, the group accused Wike of making provocative declarations about his role in Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
It alleged that Wike declared on October 12 that he was the field commander responsible for delivering the FCT and Rivers State to Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The movement also recalled Wike’s reported description of himself as the “General Commander of the Political Infantry”, arguing that such statements raised questions about the boundaries between political influence and the independence of electoral institutions.
However, the group did not provide independent evidence that INEC officials or security personnel had been compromised.
The Obidient Movement questioned the basis for any politician to speak as though an entire state or territory could be delivered to a candidate through personal political influence.
It maintained that Rivers State belonged to its residents, while the FCT belonged to the Nigerian people, insisting that electoral outcomes must reflect the freely expressed will of voters.
“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 also disputed the credibility of the 2023 electoral outcome in Rivers State, alleging wrongdoing by Wike and electoral authorities.
It did not, however, provide evidence to substantiate its allegation of collusion with INEC.
The movement challenged Wike and the APC to seek votes based on their performance and policies rather than what it described as political declarations that could create fear or cast doubt on the electoral process.
The group called on INEC and security agencies to address the concerns arising from Wike’s reported declarations and explain the measures they would adopt to protect the 2027 general elections.
It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, document suspected electoral irregularities and submit credible evidence to the appropriate authorities.
The movement warned that anyone found to have manipulated election results should face the full consequences of the law, irrespective of political position or affiliation.
It also urged Nigerians to hold public officials accountable, although its confrontational language about punishing alleged electoral offenders if institutions failed to act underscored the importance of pursuing grievances through lawful and non-violent channels.
“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,” the statement said.
The movement maintained that the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend on voters being able to cast their ballots without intimidation and have their votes accurately counted.
Wike, INEC and the relevant security agencies were not quoted as responding to the allegations in the statement.