Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence in his political strength in Rivers State, saying the 2027 election will be the easiest political contest he has faced in the state.
Wike made the statement on Monday, September 21, 2026, during an appearance on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, where he discussed the 2027 elections, his political influence in Rivers State and the ongoing political developments involving different camps in the state.
The former Rivers State governor said his confidence was based on his political experience, record and relationship with the people of the state. He challenged those who criticise his political style to focus instead on presenting concrete evidence of what they would offer Rivers residents.
According to Wike, critics may say they do not like his political style, but he questioned whether he was expected to adopt the style of his opponents.
“The 2027 election will be the easiest election. People will say, ‘Wike, I don’t like your style.’ Who told you I like your own style? Put facts on the ground. Who is better off? Who can win an election today in Rivers State for any presidential candidate?” Wike said.
He argued that the key question ahead of the election should be what political opponents would present to Rivers voters to convince them that supporting their candidates would be more beneficial.
Wike also recalled his political journey, saying he entered active politics in 1999 as a local government chairman and had faced difficult electoral contests over the years.
He cited the 2015 and 2019 Rivers State governorship elections as examples, saying he emerged victorious despite what he described as significant opposition.
“In all my elections, it has never been easy,” Wike said, adding that the 2015 contest was described as difficult but that he won. He also recalled the 2019 election, during which he said federal influence was deployed against him, yet he secured re-election.
The FCT minister’s comments come amid renewed political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Rivers State expected to attract considerable attention because of its political significance and the competing interests of major political actors.
Wike also addressed claims surrounding the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State, particularly assertions by supporters of Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar that their respective candidates won the state.
The former governor rejected those claims, arguing that an election victory should be established through results from polling units and the official declaration of the Independent National Electoral Commission rather than through social media claims or results from selected polling locations.
Wike said Rivers State has more than 7,000 polling units across its 23 local government areas and questioned whether results from a limited number of polling units could be used to establish the overall winner of a state-wide election.
He therefore dismissed claims that Obi or Atiku won Rivers State in 2023, maintaining that such assertions were not supported by the officially declared outcome.
His comments have further highlighted the political contest expected in Rivers State as parties and their supporters begin preparations for the 2027 elections.
Wike has remained an influential figure in Rivers politics since serving as governor of the state from 2015 to 2023 and later becoming Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. His continued involvement in political discussions surrounding Rivers State has made his statements a subject of attention among political actors and observers.
The minister’s latest comments also come against the background of political developments involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and various political camps in the state. Wike has previously spoken about reconciliation efforts among the different factions, while the political relationship between him and Fubara has been a major issue in Rivers politics.
As the 2027 election approaches, competing political groups are expected to intensify their efforts to mobilise supporters and present their candidates to voters across Rivers State.
For Wike, however, the focus remains on what political opponents can demonstrate to voters and whether they can provide a convincing case for why Rivers residents should support them.
The eventual outcome of the 2027 election will be determined by voters and the official electoral process. For now, Wike’s declaration that the contest will be his easiest election represents his stated assessment of the political situation in Rivers State ahead of the election.
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