The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that Obio/Akpor Local Government Area wields decisive influence over who becomes governor of Rivers State.
Speaking during a “thank you” visit to the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council on Sunday, Wike emphasized that the area’s voting power has historically shaped electoral outcomes in the state. He asserted that no candidate has ever become governor or senator representing Rivers East without the backing of Obio/Akpor, which contributes a substantial share of the total votes cast.
“For the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor. Can a local government that produced 5,000 votes challenge one that produced 40 per cent of the votes?” he said, warning political actors not to take the area for granted. He added that political influence is earned through strategic mobilisation rather than sentiment, noting, “Power is not dashed; power is struggled for. There is no sentiment or emotion in politics, only the interest of the people.”
Addressing calls for his removal as FCT minister, Wike said such decisions are solely the prerogative of President Bola Tinubu. He expressed confidence that his performance in office speaks for itself and expressed pride in the recognition he receives from Obio/Akpor, Rivers State, and Nigerians at large.
Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Dr. Gift Worlu, described Wike as “a gift” to the council, the state, and the nation. Worlu also signaled the council’s political stance ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly at the presidential level, while cautioning that it would not support candidates deemed “ungrateful” in future governorship contests.
“In 2027, we know where to go. But when it comes to the governorship, we will not go the way of ingratitude,” he said.
