Obidient Movement warns Wike against alleged 2027 election rigging plans

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Obidient Movement has warned Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 presidential election in favour of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group, which supports the political ambition and leadership of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, described Wike’s recent comments about his role in Tinubu’s re-election campaign as provocative and potentially threatening to electoral credibility.

In a statement signed by its Media and Communications Directorate and cited by Newpost Africa on Wednesday, the movement said coordinating a political campaign did not give Wike ownership of voters or control over the electoral process.

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The group also questioned the response of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to Wike’s remarks, alleging that the authorities had failed to address concerns raised by his statements.

The statement referred to comments Wike reportedly made on October 12, when he described himself as the field commander of Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the FCT and Rivers State.

It also cited his earlier description of himself as the “General Commander of the Political Infantry” and his pledge to deliver both territories to the President.

The movement alleged that Wike’s statements suggested he had influence over electoral officials and security personnel. It further accused him of involvement in electoral manipulation in Rivers State during a previous election, but did not provide supporting evidence in the statement.

“The Obidient Movement has observed Nyesom Wike’s increasingly provocative declarations about his determination to rig the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State results in favour of Mr Bola Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 elections,” the statement said.

The group argued that Rivers State belonged to its residents, while the FCT belonged to the Nigerian people, insisting that neither territory was the property of any politician or political party.

It maintained that Nigerians had the constitutional right to determine their leaders through free, fair and credible elections.

The movement urged Wike to campaign for Tinubu and allow voters to decide the outcome of the election, rather than resorting to intimidation or electoral manipulation.

“If Wike believes the APC deserves victory, he should campaign for it and allow the people to decide,” the statement said.

The group warned that any attempt by Wike, his associates or other political actors to manipulate the 2027 elections should attract legal consequences.

It also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, protect their votes, document alleged electoral irregularities and report credible evidence to the appropriate authorities.

The movement further warned against what it described as the use of political power to intimidate citizens and evade accountability.

The group said the 2027 election should not be treated as the personal contest of Wike, Tinubu or the APC, but as a democratic process in which citizens determine who governs the country.

“The Nigerian people will decide who governs Nigeria. No political godfather will decide for them,” the statement added.

As of the time of filling this report, Nyesom Wike, INEC and the security agencies to the accusations are yet to issue their responses.