Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern caution to politicians, particularly governors, who are defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and openly declaring support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He stated that such moves do not automatically translate to a guaranteed second-term ticket in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Wike's Warning on Political Loyalty and Agreements
The minister delivered this strong message on Sunday, December 28, 2025, while addressing his supporters during a political engagement in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. This event was part of his ongoing consultations across the state.
Wike, who was received by the Emohua LGA Chairman, Chidi Lloyd, and traditional ruler Sergeant Awuse, emphasized that political relevance is earned through strategic consistency, not by opportunistically jumping on a bandwagon after victories are secured. He specifically warned against what he termed "emergency" supporters of President Tinubu, urging them to stick to existing political agreements in Rivers State.
"Merely declaring support for President Tinubu, especially after the 2023 elections, should not be mistaken for an automatic pathway to re-election," Wike asserted, as reported by Daily Trust. He insisted that politics must be guided by clearly defined pacts and that promises made must be honoured.
Ikwerre Relevance and a Veiled Jab at Fubara
During his address, Wike stressed the need for the Ikwerre ethnic nationality to maintain its relevance in Nigeria's political equation, warning against complacency. He appeared to openly criticize Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by declaring that chanting pro-President Tinubu slogans would not earn anyone a political ticket.
Wike reminded the audience that the results from the four local government areas in Ikwerreland were pivotal in securing President Tinubu's victory during the 2023 presidential election, underscoring the region's strategic importance.
His comments come amid a wave of high-profile defections to the APC, which includes Governor Fubara and the governors of Enugu (Peter Mbah), Delta (Sheriff Oborevwori), Bayelsa (Douye Diri), Akwa Ibom (Umo Eno), and Taraba (Agbu Kefas). Most recently, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in December 2025.
MURIC Warns Against Stifling Opposition Ahead of 2027
As the political landscape heats up ahead of the 2027 polls, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), a faith-based human rights advocacy group, has raised concerns about the potential stifling of opposition. On Monday, December 29, 2025, the group's executive director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, appealed to governments at federal and state levels to avoid actions that could lead to political unrest.
MURIC's statement highlighted complaints of a systematic crackdown on opposition figures, including the alleged weaponization of anti-graft agencies, involuntary defections, and suppression of dissent. The group called for professionalism from security agencies and equal opportunities for all political parties to access public spaces, warning that overzealousness could threaten Nigeria's democracy.
This advisory adds another layer to the complex political environment as key players like Wike position themselves and issue warnings about the true cost of political allegiance in the race towards 2027.
