The battle over the political future of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 presidential election took a dramatic turn as businessman and social commentator Isaac Fayose challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to a ₦1 billion wager and a Rolls-Royce-for-Rolls-Royce bet over the outcome of the presidential election in the state.
The challenge followed Wike’s declaration during his monthly media chat that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be the only presidential candidate capable of winning Rivers State in 2027.
In a video circulating on social media, Fayose rejected Wike’s prediction, insisting that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would secure at least 72 per cent of the votes in Rivers State if the election is free, fair and transparent.
“Minister Wike, I’m ready to bet with you—Rolls-Royce for Rolls-Royce and ₦1 billion. Let’s deposit the stake in court. The NDC presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, will win Rivers State with 72 per cent of the votes,” Fayose said.
He further claimed that Obi’s victory would become evident well before the official declaration of results.
“Peter Obi will win before 12 noon on election day in Rivers State by 72 per cent. I repeat, Mr. Minister, Peter Obi will win Rivers State by 72 per cent before 12 noon,” he added.
Fayose based his prediction on the condition that the election is conducted without manipulation or interference.
He alleged that the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State was marred by the alteration of results, claiming that Obi was denied victory despite enjoying widespread support among voters. He argued that under a transparent electoral process, Obi would comfortably secure about 72 per cent of the votes in the state.
The businessman challenged Wike to demonstrate confidence in Tinubu’s popularity by accepting the wager and depositing both the luxury vehicles and the ₦1 billion stake in court ahead of the election.
The challenge has generated widespread reactions online, further intensifying political debate over Rivers State ahead of the 2027 polls.
During his media chat on Tuesday, Wike maintained that Rivers State was no longer politically available to any presidential candidate other than Tinubu.
“If anybody is counting Rivers, go now and cancel it. The only person that can count Rivers is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I’m not talking because I want to talk; I’m talking as a political realist because I know my people,” Wike said.
The former Rivers State governor also disclosed that politicians from different political parties had formed a broad coalition to deliver the state to Tinubu in the next presidential election.
According to him, the coalition includes members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), Action Alliance (AA) and other political groups.
“We have PDP, APC, Labour Party, AA all together. We have candidates across different political parties for the House of Assembly and National Assembly. We will support the candidate who is most acceptable. Whoever emerges should not be seen as APC or PDP; the person should be seen as the coalition’s candidate,” he said.
Wike added that the coalition was expanding rapidly across Rivers State and was united by a common objective of supporting President Tinubu’s re-election.
“It is all-inclusive and it is spreading like wildfire,” he stated.
The minister stressed that the coalition was driven by the interests of Rivers State rather than partisan politics.
“For me, what matters is Rivers State. If Rivers State is relevant because projects are coming and people are benefiting from government, then I am satisfied. It is not about personal ambition; it is about the interest of the state,” Wike said.
He also defended his political credentials, saying his experience in public office since 1999 had given him a deep understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape.
Beyond the election debate, Fayose criticised Wike over the continued presence of roaming cattle on major roads within the Federal Capital Territory.
The criticism followed Wike’s response to a question on the issue during the media chat, where he described it as a matter of national security rather than outlining specific measures by the FCT Administration.
“I won’t talk about cows; it’s national security. Tell the NSA and all of them to sit down and know what they will do about it. Anyway, let’s leave it there,” Wike said.
Reacting, Fayose accused the FCT minister of failing to address a growing public safety concern, arguing that the FCT Administration should take greater responsibility rather than leaving the matter entirely to security agencies.
