By: Odeh Favour
The Obidient Movement has cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against interfering with the 2027 general elections, while calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to guarantee a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
This came following a declaration on Monday by Wike, who pronounced himself as the field commander for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in both the FCT and Rivers State, maintaining that he was fully in charge of political operations across the two territories.
Reacting in a statement released on Wednesday through its Media and Communications Directorate, the movement expressed deep concern that the FCT Minister’s declaration poses a severe threat to the integrity of the upcoming polls.
The group emphasized that holding a campaign position does not give any political figure control or ownership over the voting populace.
“Wike must understand that coordinating a political campaign does not confer ownership of the electorate, control over voters, or authority over the electoral process,” the movement stated.
The Obidient Movement further insisted that the electoral process must remain under the firm control of statutory institutions and be driven strictly by the sovereign will of the electorate.
“Rivers State belongs to its people. The Federal Capital Territory belongs to the Nigerian people. Neither belongs to Wike, Tinubu, the APC, or any political godfather. Nigerians alone have the constitutional right to determine who governs them through free, fair and credible elections,” the statement read.
Addressing politicians aiming for victory in the upcoming general elections, the group advised them to focus on convincing the populace rather than attempting to influence outcomes unduly.
“If Wike believes the APC deserves victory, he should campaign for it and allow the people to decide. If he believes that Tinubu’s performance will earn him another term, he should present that record to Nigerians and submit himself to the verdict of the ballot box,” it noted.
The movement also sounded a note of warning regarding the patience of the public, asserting that Nigerians are keeping a close watch on political developments ahead of 2027.
“Wike should not mistake the patience of Nigerians for weakness. The people are watching.
The world is watching.
The era in which political power could be used to intimidate citizens and escape accountability must end,” the statement stressed.
Reiterating that power ultimately lies with the voters, the group maintained that no individual or political party holds an automatic claim to electoral outcomes.
“The 2027 election is not Wike’s personal battle. It is not Tinubu’s private property. It is not the APC’s entitlement. It belongs to the Nigerian people. Let Wike campaign. Let the APC campaign. Let Nigerians vote.
And let the votes count,” the statement read.
Calling on electoral authorities and security personnel to uphold neutrality, the group demanded total impartiality in the management of the general elections.
“The Obidient Movement warns that any attempt by Wike, his political associates, or anyone else to manipulate the 2027 elections must be treated as an unforgiveable electoral offence,” it warned.
The group went on to charge citizens to actively safeguard the democratic process, gather evidence of any wrongdoing, and expose electoral malpractices.
“We therefore call on Nigerians to remain vigilant, protect their votes through EVERY MEANS POSSIBLE, document electoral irregularities, and report credible evidence for all Nigerians to see,” the statement added.
In its concluding remark, the movement stressed that electoral offenders must face severe consequences, irrespective of their political status, while urging Nigerians to pursue accountability through lawful avenues at all times.
