The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fired back at critics who questioned his role in the outcome of the recent local government election in Rivers State.
During his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike admitted to influencing the election in his home local government area, Obio-Akpor, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious.
Wike, however, dismissed insinuations that he should have extended his political influence beyond his constituency, arguing that elections are determined by local dynamics.
In his words:
“So, Wike is very popular today, is it not the same people I hear in Arise, AIT, and Channels saying Wike cannot determine what happens in other places, only in his local government? I have determined in my own local government. I’m a member of PDP, and we won there.”
Wike went further to challenge critics who expressed anger that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in some other local governments, insisting that he campaigned for his people and they voted accordingly.
“You blow hot and cold. I influenced and campaigned for my people to vote for PDP, and they did. Now you are angry APC won elsewhere. Why should I extend my influence beyond my own local government?”
According to him, local governments play a decisive role in elections, and political parties must be realistic about their grassroots support. He also hinted that internal issues within PDP contributed to outcomes in other LGAs where the party underperformed.
The statement has sparked heated political debate in Rivers State and beyond, with many analyzing whether Wike’s admission strengthens or weakens the PDP’s standing in the state.
