The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning to his political adversaries, saying those who continue to pursue him politically will “miss road.” Wike said his past political battles show that anyone who underestimates him often ends up on the losing side.
Wike spoke on Sunday while addressing political stakeholders from Ikwerre land, his ethnic group in Rivers State. The meeting is coming at a time when political activities are gradually picking up ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially in Rivers, a state known for intense political rivalry.
The former Rivers State governor said many people who once opposed or pursued him politically have failed in their ambitions. According to him, this should serve as a lesson to those planning to confront him again.
“If you are pursuing Wike, you will miss road,” he said. “All those who have been pursuing me have all missed their roads. Unfortunately, some of them are from here, but I will not call their names.”
Wike’s statement was greeted with cheers from his supporters at the gathering. He urged his audience to remain firm and not allow intimidation from political opponents.
The FCT minister also made it clear that serious political activities would begin from January. He told his supporters to prepare themselves and not be afraid of threats or insults from rival camps.
“So we must be careful, and I also want to let you know that from January we will go into politics,” Wike said. “Let nobody intimidate you. We have done it before, and we will do it again.”
Wike’s comments reflect his long-standing reputation as a strong political figure, especially in Rivers State. He served as governor of Rivers for eight years, from 2015 to 2023, and remains one of the most influential politicians in the South-South region.
Although he is now a minister in the government of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike remains a key figure in Rivers politics. His political influence was evident during the 2023 general elections when he played a major role despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the time.
During his speech, Wike reminded his audience of how his political camp delivered results during past elections, even across party lines.
“When you say you insult a politician, we were in PDP and we delivered a President in APC and we won the other seat in PDP,” he said.
This comment was seen as a reference to the 2023 presidential election, when Wike openly opposed the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and worked with a group of governors known as the G5. The group eventually supported Bola Tinubu of the APC, who won the election.
Wike’s actions during that period caused deep divisions within the PDP, both at the national level and in Rivers State. Some party members accused him of anti-party activities, while his supporters praised him for standing by his political beliefs.
The former governor also took a swipe at politicians who switch loyalty only when it suits them. He challenged those who claim to control political strongholds to prove their strength through election results.
“If you know you are a stronghold, stay in another party and deliver the President in that party, then deliver the other people in your own party, so that we will know that you are very strong,” Wike said.
He warned that merely shouting slogans or claiming popular support would not earn anyone a party ticket.
“Not now that food is ready you are saying ‘on your mandate,’ that will not give you any ticket,” he added.
Governor Fubara, who was once seen as Wike’s political ally, has in recent months been at the centre of a power struggle within the state. The crisis has affected the Rivers State House of Assembly and led to divisions within the state government.
While Wike has denied trying to control the current administration, many of his opponents believe he still plays a major role behind the scenes. His supporters, however, insist that he has the right to remain politically active and protect his political structure.
Ikwerre land, where Wike addressed stakeholders, is a key political area in Rivers State. Gaining the support of leaders from the area is often seen as important for anyone seeking political success in the state.
By addressing stakeholders from his home area, Wike appears to be consolidating support ahead of future political contests. Analysts believe his warning to adversaries is also meant to reassure his followers that he remains firmly in control of his political base.
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