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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reasserted his influence over the political structures in the FCT and Rivers State, describing himself as the “General Commander of the Political Infantry.”
Wike made the remarks during a media parley on Wednesday while responding to questions about the political structure in Rivers State, which he governed from 2015 to 2023.
He argued that holding the office of governor does not necessarily mean having absolute control over a state’s political structure.
“You do not need to be governor before you can be in charge. I am the General Commander of the Political Infantry; therefore, I am in charge. So also in FCT. I owe the president to give these two. As far as the election is concerned, you count FCT as a state,” Wike declared.
The minister, who recently travelled to Rivers State, said the visit was partly intended to reconnect with the state’s political structure and spend time with his family.
“It’s not about relocating; it’s about coming home to reconnect with my people and talk to them, not taking chances… so that they don’t just sit in Abuja and think everything is going well,” Wike said.
“I have to come back home and see how those things are going on. My coming home is very good and not only political. I have parents who are still alive; I have to see them and do other things.”
Wike also linked his political activities in Rivers State to the 2027 elections, questioning whether he was expected to remain passive while the opposition sought to gain ground.
“Politics, of course, this is the time. You want me to fold my hand for Atiku to come and win the election?” he asked.
Responding to critics of his political influence, Wike pointed to his record as Rivers State governor, particularly the construction of 12 flyovers, as evidence of his capacity to deliver.
“I was a governor, not a governor of any other state but governor of Rivers State. People thought I just came. Before harmattan, there was cold. I didn’t just come from zero. Look, I came to FCT to prove a point that there’s nothing difficult if you want to work, and whether you agree or not, we’ve been able to change that narrative,” he said.
Wike said his performance had also drawn criticism because he was willing to distinguish his administration from those before it.
“That’s why you have more enemies. If you take first in class, instead of people asking how you did it, some people will say every time he’s proving, as if he’s the only one who can take first. Go and take first; let’s see. We have changed the narrative, and that’s why no party will win the president in FCT,” he added.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says President Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar both face political hurdles in the 2027 election, and that regional support and campaign strategies will likely play a major role in the contest.
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— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) September 2, 2026
