No one owns voters – Obidients tell Wike

The Obidient Movement cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike,  over any attempt to influence or manipulate the 2027 general elections.

The warning follows Wike’s recent declaration naming himself the ‘field commander’ for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign in both Rivers State and the FCT.

The ruling party confirmed the Wike declaration by naming him as campaign coordinator for President Bola Tinubu re-election in both Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement released on Wednesday by its Media and Communications Directorate, the Obidient Movement rejected the Minister’s posture, emphasizing that no individual or political party holds the authority to predetermine election results before a single ballot is cast.

Addressing Wike’s self-proclaimed role as political operational lead in the two key territories, the movement insisted that managing a campaign does not translate to power over the electorate.

“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 statement read.

The group further emphasized the constitutional rights of citizens over political figures and godfathers.

“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 added.

Rather than relying on political clout or rhetoric, the movement challenged the FCT Minister and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to present their track record to the public and let citizens decide through democratic means.

“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,” the statement added.

The movement called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and national security agencies to maintain strict impartiality and proactively resolve public doubts regarding the 2027 polls.

Warning that any effort to manipulate the process would be viewed as an “unforgivable electoral offence,” the group urged everyday citizens to take an active role in safeguarding democracy by documenting and exposing any form of electoral malpractice through lawful means.

“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 concluded. (Daily trust)