Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned politicians that defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or publicly pledging support for President Bola Tinubu does not automatically secure a second-term ticket.
Wike issued the warning on Sunday while addressing supporters during a political meeting in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, part of his ongoing consultations across the state.
The former Rivers State governor was welcomed by the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Chidi Lloyd, alongside traditional ruler Sergeant Awuse and other party leaders. He used the occasion to reiterate his long-standing stance that political loyalty must go beyond mere declarations.
Speaking to the gathering, Wike dismissed the notion that professing allegiance to President Tinubu alone guarantees political rewards.
“The issue is not whether you are supporting Tinubu. That matter has long been settled. Nobody should come to me and say, ‘I am for Tinubu,’ and think that is enough. On your mandate we shall stand. Who is not for Tinubu in Rivers State? That alone cannot give you a ticket,” he said.
Wike’s remarks come amid recent political realignments in Rivers State, including the defection of his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other key figures to the ruling APC. Fubara’s move followed weeks of political tension between him and Wike, which later gave way to reconciliation.
