Wike Warns Rivers Politicians Against Last-Minute Defections

By Sofiat Adenekan- Abdul

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned politicians in Rivers State against last-minute defections and sudden shifts in political loyalty ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike gave the warning during separate visits to Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas of the state, where he stressed that political power and party tickets are not handed out on the basis of convenience or opportunism.

According to him, political influence must be built over time through trust, commitment and sustained engagement with the grassroots.

“Power is not for dash. Mandates are earned and protected,” Wike said, warning that politicians who switch sides close to elections in search of advantage would not be rewarded.

The former Rivers State governor also spoke on the evolving political alignment in the state, noting that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are increasingly working together in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“In Rivers State, APC and PDP have already collapsed into one family, the Renewed Hope family,” Wike said, urging residents to focus on cooperation, peace and development rather than party labels.

He clarified that his visits to the local government areas were not campaign activities but gestures of appreciation to supporters who remained loyal during previous elections.

Wike commended local government chairmen for maintaining stability in their areas and called on political leaders to honour agreements, uphold principles and promote unity for the overall progress of the state.

With political activities expected to resume fully in January, the FCT minister urged Rivers residents and party leaders to remain disciplined, united and committed to integrity in the build-up to the 2027 elections.

He reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu, insisting that consistent leadership and loyalty — not political convenience — would shape the outcome of the next election cycle in Rivers State.