The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed how he advised the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, to withdraw from the 2027 election.
Wike said he had repeatedly urged Lulu-Briggs, whom he described as a friend, to abandon his governorship ambition and support another candidate.
In a video circulating on social media, the minister questioned how many times Lulu-Briggs intended to contest for the state’s top political office.
“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 disclosure comes as political activities intensify ahead of the February 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.
Wike also expressed confidence in the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Kingsley Chinda, although he acknowledged that one of the leading contenders would eventually emerge as the winner.
The minister, however, maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s re-election remained the priority of the political coalition he leads.
Speaking at an engagement with Rivers Rainbow Coalition youths in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Wike declared that the coalition would mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election in Rivers State and the FCT.
He attributed the coalition’s confidence to the Federal Government’s infrastructure projects and policy interventions, arguing that political leaders should be judged by their performance and the benefits they deliver to the people.
“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.
Wike also argued that Rivers State’s political decisions should be guided by the interests of its people and the benefits they could derive from the Federal Government.
He claimed that at least 49 indigenes of Rivers State currently occupy prominent positions in 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,” the minister said.
Wike criticised opposition politicians, accusing some of making promises without delivering tangible results. He urged voters to assess candidates based on their records rather than campaign rhetoric.
“You cannot vote for a political gambler. Every time, they come around making empty promises, but our people know better now,” he said.
The minister added that the coalition was determined to secure an electoral victory that would reflect its political strength.
“We want to win this election with a difference,” he stated.
He also called for greater youth participation in the coalition’s mobilisation efforts, directing that young people 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,” Wike said.
He urged supporters to remain united, strengthen their grassroots structures and mobilise voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.