You Want Me To Fold My Hands For Atiku Abubakar To Win The Election?” – Wike On Why He Is Often In Rivers State

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his regular visit to Rivers state, saying it is part of preparation ahead the 2027 general elections.

Wike declared that he will not remain passive and allow former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to win the 2027 presidential election, as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the polls.

Wike, who spoke on Wednesday during his monthly media parley in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, also dismissed reports that he was planning to relocate to Rivers State, saying his frequent visits to the state were part of efforts to remain politically engaged with his people.

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

The minister said he has no intention of abandoning his responsibilities in Abuja but would continue to maintain close contact with political developments in Rivers State.

“It’s not about relocating; it’s about coming home to relate with the people and talk to them, and also do those things you know how to do very well, not to take chances.

“So, 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.”

According to him, he would not rely solely on assurances from political associates that all was well in Rivers State, particularly as the 2027 general election approaches.

“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. ‘Have you done this? What about this?”

He stressed that the period has become politically significant and required active engagement, insisting that his presence in Rivers State should not be interpreted as a plan to relocate from the nation’s capital.

Wike added that his parents are still alive and that he has strong personal and political ties to his home State, making regular visits necessary as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.