The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that he repeatedly advised the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, to abandon his ambition and support another candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
Wike, who described Lulu-Briggs as a friend, questioned his decision to continue contesting for the governorship after several unsuccessful attempts, urging him to use his financial resources to support another aspirant.
In a video circulating on social media, the minister said he had spoken to Lulu-Briggs about the issue on several occasions.
“I don’t know the other people contesting in Rivers State, but Dumo has been my friend. I have told him several times, ‘Dumo, how many times will you contest?
“You are approaching 70 years old, and you have contested for governor of Rivers State more than eight times. Take your money and sponsor someone else,” Wike said.
The remarks come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State, with parties and their candidates positioning themselves for the contest.
Wike’s comments also highlight the political tensions surrounding the race, particularly as he continues to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and promotes the interests of his political coalition.
Wike Backs Tinubu’s Re-Election in Rivers, FCT
The FCT minister reaffirmed that securing Tinubu’s re-election remained the principal objective of the political coalition he leads.
Speaking during an engagement with youths of the Rivers Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Wike said the group would mobilise support for the president in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.
He expressed confidence in the coalition’s ability to influence the 2027 elections, citing infrastructure projects and policy interventions by the Federal Government as reasons voters should consider supporting the administration.
According to Wike, political leaders should be judged by their performance and the tangible benefits they deliver rather than their personal appeal or campaign promises.
“We are not playing politics for the sake of it without bringing benefits to our people. After all, we are not looking for those who are fine or finer. We are looking for those who will do something that will positively impact Nigerians and the Rivers people,” he said.
The minister argued that Rivers State’s political choices should be guided by the interests of its people and the benefits they could derive from their relationship with the Federal Government.
“What is important is: where is Rivers State, where are we going, and how will the election benefit Rivers State? That’s what we’re talking about,” he stated.
Minister Claims 49 Rivers Indigenes Hold Federal Positions
Wike also claimed that at least 49 indigenes of Rivers State currently occupy prominent positions within the Federal Government.
He cited the alleged representation as part of his argument that the state should consider the potential benefits of maintaining a constructive relationship with the federal administration.
However, he did not provide a breakdown of the positions or identify the individuals included in the figure in the remarks supplied.
The minister maintained that political decisions should be based on the practical interests of Rivers residents and the capacity of elected officials to deliver development.
His comments reflect his broader argument that the state should prioritise access to federal opportunities and infrastructure projects when deciding how to vote in 2027.
Wike Accuses Opposition Politicians of Making Empty Promises
The FCT minister criticised opposition politicians, accusing some of seeking electoral support through promises they would not fulfil.
He urged voters to scrutinise the records of candidates and assess what they had achieved rather than relying solely on campaign messages.
“You cannot vote for a political gambler. Every time, they come around making empty promises, but our people know better now,” Wike said.
He added that the coalition intended to secure a decisive victory in the forthcoming elections.
“We want to win this election with a difference,” he stated.
Wike’s remarks form part of the emerging political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections, with supporters of the president seeking to consolidate their influence while opposition parties work to strengthen their electoral prospects.
Wike Calls for Greater Youth Participation
The minister also called for increased participation by young people in the coalition’s political mobilisation and campaign planning.
He directed that youths should be adequately represented on committees responsible for organising presidential rallies and other campaign activities.
“The committee for the presidential rally must put a reasonable number of our youths,” he said.
Wike urged coalition members to remain united, strengthen their grassroots structures and mobilise voters ahead of the elections.
His appeal underscores the importance political groups are placing on youth engagement and grassroots mobilisation as parties prepare for the next electoral cycle.
Rivers Governorship Race Gathers Momentum
Wike also expressed confidence in the electoral prospects of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, identified in the supplied account as Kingsley Chinda, while acknowledging that one of the leading contenders would eventually emerge victorious.
His comments on Lulu-Briggs add another dimension to the contest, given the minister’s stated personal relationship with the NDC candidate and his public preference that the latter support another aspirant.
Lulu-Briggs’ decision on whether to maintain his governorship ambition remains his own, and Wike’s remarks represent the minister’s personal advice rather than a formal withdrawal by the candidate.
As the 2027 election approaches, the contest in Rivers State is expected to be shaped by party organisation, candidate appeal, alliances and competing arguments over governance and development.
For Wike, the immediate priority is to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election, with Rivers State and the FCT identified as key areas for the coalition’s campaign efforts.
