You Want Me To Fold My Hands For Atiku?” — Wike Speaks On Returning To Rivers

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will not remain passive and allow the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to win the 2027 presidential election.

Wike made the statement while responding to questions during his monthly media parley in Rivers State, where he explained that his frequent visits to the state were aimed at staying connected with his people and monitoring political developments ahead of the election.

The former Rivers State governor also dismissed speculation that he was relocating to the state, saying his presence was necessary to ensure that political activities were progressing as expected.

According to Wike, he could not afford to remain in Abuja and depend solely on assurances from political associates that everything was going well in Rivers State.

He said, “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.

“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? Have you done this? What about this? What about this?’

“I can tell you my parents are still very much alive. Of course, this is time for politics.

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

Wike’s comments come amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with major political figures and parties already positioning themselves for the contest.