Atiku Rivers votes will remain below 10 per cent in 2027, Nyesom Wike says as he backs a political coalition in Rivers State

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress will fail to secure up to 10 per cent of votes in Rivers State during the 2027 presidential election.

Also read: Channels TV Rejects Wike’s Land Allocation Claims

Wike made the assertion on Saturday while addressing a luncheon organised in honour of candidates of the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections in Rivers State.

The coalition comprises members of the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party and Action Alliance.

Speaking before party members and supporters, Wike expressed confidence that the coalition would emerge as the dominant political force in the state and determine the outcome of the next governorship election.

The former Rivers State governor, however, dismissed reports suggesting that federal lawmaker Kingsley Chinda had already been endorsed as the coalition’s governorship candidate.

According to Wike, no final decision has been taken regarding the coalition’s flag bearer for the governorship contest.

Wike also criticised the African Democratic Congress and the National Democratic Congress, arguing that both parties lacked practical electoral experience.

“ADC and NDC have not run election before. They do not understand election. They only understand defection. This is the time they will see election practical. They will have the experience and they will see what is in election starting from Rivers State,” he said.

The minister maintained that political influence should be measured by electoral performance rather than public declarations of support.

“It is not enough to come on TV to say, President, we love you. You show your commitment by how many votes you can deliver to win election. It is not to go and visit him in Lagos,” Wike stated.

Referring to the 2023 presidential election, Wike claimed that Atiku Abubakar did not secure up to 10 per cent of votes in Rivers State and predicted that the outcome would be even less favourable for the former vice president in 2027.

“Atiku Abubakar in 2023 never got 10 per cent in Rivers State. It will be very disheartening that he will get 11 per cent in Rivers State in the next election.

“If he gets 10 per cent, which he did not get in 2023, it means he has gone higher. We will make sure ADC will not have 10 per cent here,” he said.

The minister added that electoral success required grassroots mobilisation and hard work rather than political convenience.

“A man who is not ready for work, but ready when food is ready, is not available in the state. You must work hard,” Wike remarked.

He further argued that his political camp had consistently demonstrated its electoral strength even during periods of intense political pressure.

“We have won election in this state when there was intimidation, come to talk of now that there is no intimidation,” he said.

Wike also commended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule for their role during the prolonged political crisis that rocked the state.

According to the minister, the lawmakers played a significant role in defending democratic institutions during the dispute.

“The history of this state cannot be complete if they don’t include you and your colleagues. You stood by truth and you defended democracy. Without you, it would have been difficult for us to be here today,” Wike said.

Also read: PDP Group Criticises Wike over Controversial Remarks

The remarks come as political parties and emerging coalitions begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Rivers State expected to remain one of the key battlegrounds in Nigeria’s political landscape.