The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports that he has endorsed any candidate for the 2027 political contests in Rivers State, insisting that such decisions will be taken collectively by party elders.
Wike made the clarification on Monday night during a joint meeting of stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
Addressing the gathering, the minister cautioned political actors against rushing into endorsement campaigns, warning that premature alignments could trigger divisions driven by personal ambitions.
According to him, the strength of the current political bloc lies in its unity and shared purpose rather than financial inducement.
Wike also alleged that certain external interests were attempting to destabilize the group due to its growing cohesion.
“If we were not working together, it would be difficult. People are not happy that we are united, so they must find ways to divide us,” he said.
The FCT minister further expressed concern over what he described as betrayal by some individuals who benefitted from the group’s support but later turned against its leadership.
He criticized such actions as a failure of character, warning that attempts to undermine others through deceit would ultimately fail.
“Woe be unto the person we have supported with an appointment who turns around to castigate,” he added.
Speaking on the 2027 political cycle, Wike maintained that he has not privately or publicly endorsed any candidate for governorship or other elective positions in Rivers State.
He stressed that any decision regarding endorsements would only be taken after consultations with party elders.
However, he confirmed that the only endorsement currently agreed upon by the group is for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Anything I say in the night is what I will say in the daytime,” Wike stated, emphasizing his commitment to transparency.
The minister also commended Rivers elders, council chairmen and party leaders for their cooperation in organizing the stakeholders’ meeting, noting that the smooth conduct of the gathering reflected broad inclusion and unity among participants.
