Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has recalled how he defeated his opponents in the 2019 Rivers State governorship election despite what he described as the use of federal government influence against his re-election. Wike made the statement on Monday during an interview with TVC News’ Journalists’……
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has recalled how he defeated his opponents in the 2019 Rivers State governorship election despite what he described as the use of federal government influence against his re-election.
Wike made the statement on Monday during an interview with TVC News’ Journalists’ Hangout, while speaking about his political experience in Rivers State and preparations for the 2027 elections.
The former Rivers State governor said he had faced difficult political contests since he began his political career in 1999, including the 2015 and 2019 governorship elections.
“In all my elections, it had not been easy,” Wike said.
Recalling the 2019 election, Wike alleged that former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and other federal actors worked against his re-election.
He said the level of federal involvement in the election was unprecedented in his experience.
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“In 2019, where I had a federal might against me, in the history of this country, it has never happened, where you see the presence of federal government,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister alleged that the then-General Officer Commanding (GOC) took steps aimed at preventing him from securing a second term as governor.
“Look, I was running an election where the GOC, the General Officer Commanding, took it upon himself to make sure that I was never returned a second time,” he said.
Wike also recalled a conversation with his late associate, who he said had warned him three days before the election that efforts were being made to prevent his re-election.
According to him, despite the warning and the political pressure surrounding the election, he remained confident of victory.
“I said, Herbert, I have nothing to save myself because I’ve not done anything wrong. But if it is 2019 election, I can tell you, let heaven come down. Heaven will be at peace because I’m going to win this election,” Wike said.
He said his confidence was based on his belief that the support of the people could overcome political and governmental influence.
“Government can come with all their forces. But when you are with your people, the moment your people appreciate what you are doing, it will be difficult,” Wike said.
Wike said his experience showed that politicians seeking electoral victories must remain connected to the electorate and deliver on their responsibilities.
“So the only thing you can do is to sit back at home, provide the dividends of democracy, stay with your people, listen to them. They hear from you. And they talk to you. And you listen to them,” he said.
Wike won the 2019 Rivers State governorship election, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Tonye Cole, according to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The minister also recalled his political battles dating back to 1999, when he contested and won a local government chairmanship election, before securing a second term in 2004.
He said his political history had prepared him for electoral contests and opposition, including the political battle expected ahead of the 2027 elections.
