The Obidient Movement has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against any attempt to influence the outcome of the 2027 general elections, insisting that voters in Rivers State and Abuja must be allowed to freely choose their preferred candidates.
The warning follows Wike’s declaration that he would serve as field commander for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Rivers State and the FCT ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The movement expressed concern over the minister’s announcement, stressing that leading a political campaign does not give him control over voters or the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Media and Communications Directorate, the group maintained that Rivers State and the FCT belong to their residents, not to individual politicians, political parties or powerful political figures.
According to the movement, Wike has the right to campaign for Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), but such political activities must not undermine the independence of the electoral process.
The movement challenged Wike to convince Nigerians to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition by presenting the president’s achievements rather than suggesting that political influence over Rivers State and the FCT would determine the election outcome.
It argued that the credibility of the APC’s re-election campaign should depend on the administration’s performance and the willingness of voters to support its policies.
The group urged Wike to allow the electorate to decide whether Tinubu deserves another term in office through a free, fair and credible election.
It also cautioned the minister and other political actors against making statements or taking actions that could create the impression that electoral victory had already been secured.
The Obidient Movement maintained that no politician, regardless of influence or political position, should assume ownership of the electorate or claim authority over the choices Nigerians make at the ballot box.
Beyond its warning to Wike, the movement called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to demonstrate their independence and impartiality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It urged the electoral umpire to take concerns about the conduct of the forthcoming polls seriously and ensure that every eligible voter can participate without intimidation or undue political pressure.
The group also called on security agencies to discharge their responsibilities professionally, without favouring any political party or candidate.
According to the movement, any attempt by Wike, his associates or other political actors to manipulate the elections should attract appropriate legal consequences.
It stressed that the credibility of the elections would depend on whether votes were freely cast, properly counted and accurately reflected in the final results.
The movement further urged Nigerians to take an active role in protecting the integrity of the 2027 elections by monitoring the electoral process and documenting suspected irregularities.
It encouraged citizens to report credible evidence of electoral malpractice through lawful channels rather than allowing alleged violations to go unchallenged.
The group argued that public vigilance, institutional independence and strict adherence to electoral laws would be essential to building confidence in the outcome of the polls.
It also insisted that the political status of any candidate or campaign coordinator should not place them above the law.
The Obidient Movement concluded that neither Tinubu, Wike nor the APC should regard victory in the 2027 elections as guaranteed.
It maintained that the ultimate decision rests with Nigerian voters, whose choices must be respected regardless of political affiliations or the influence of those campaigning for particular candidates.
Wike’s declaration that he would coordinate Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Rivers State and the FCT has added another dimension to the political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development is particularly significant in Rivers State, where political alignments and the influence of key political figures are expected to remain important issues as parties prepare for the next electoral cycle.
However, the Obidient Movement insists that political mobilisation must not be confused with control over the electorate, warning that only a credible electoral process can give legitimacy to the eventual winners.
