The political debate ahead of the 2027 general election intensified after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, declared that Rivers State was already secured for President Bola Tinubu, with ARISE Television’s The Morning Show hosts sharply divided over the claim.
Wike had, during a media chat in Abuja, warned politicians seeking to win Rivers State for the 2027 presidential election to “forget it”, insisting that Tinubu was the only candidate capable of winning the state.
“I am telling you, let nobody make a mistake. The only person that can win Rivers State is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike said, describing himself as “a political realist.”
The declaration triggered reactions on social media, with critics arguing that such statements could discourage voters and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Discussing the development on The Morning Show, co-anchor Ayo Mairo-Ese described Wike’s remarks as political posturing aimed at unsettling opponents.
“What he was doing is what we call mind games. It is ‘political big speak’. It is psychological warfare,” she said.
Mairo-Ese stressed that regardless of the political influence of any individual, elections are ultimately decided by voters.
“Wike has one vote, just like every other Nigerian. The people of Rivers State will determine who emerges as the winner,” she said.
She, however, warned that influential politicians should be cautious about making statements suggesting that election outcomes had already been decided, saying such comments could deepen voter apathy.
Mairo-Ese also challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen public confidence by conducting elections that are free, fair and credible.
“INEC has to demonstrate that every vote counts and that elections are free, fair and credible,” she added.
However, co-anchor Rufai Oseni disagreed, arguing that Wike’s confidence should not be dismissed as mere political posturing.
Oseni said Wike’s remarks reflected his political influence in Rivers State and what he described as concerns surrounding the credibility of the 2023 presidential election in the state.
“With due respect, he is not saying what he has not done. He is saying what he has done,” Oseni said, referring to Wike’s previous claims about his political influence in Rivers.
The journalist argued that dismissing concerns about the electoral process could further deepen public distrust in democracy.
“We keep saying we don’t want voter apathy, but many people already believe the process is a charade already,” he said.
Oseni maintained that he was willing to bet that Wike’s prediction would eventually come to pass, citing the minister’s political influence and control of the state’s political structure.
Dr Reuben Abati, however, rejected Oseni’s position, insisting that no politician has the constitutional authority to determine the outcome of an election.
“Wike is just like every other Nigerian qualified to vote. He has only one vote,” Abati said.
“He cannot sit today and announce the outcome of the 2027 election in Rivers State.”
Abati described Wike’s declaration as “a trip of delusion”, stressing that only INEC has the constitutional responsibility to declare election results.
He urged voters in Rivers State not to surrender their democratic rights because of political pronouncements, insisting that they must be allowed to make their own choices at the polls.
“The people of Rivers State have the right to go out and make their own informed choice,” he said.
The discussion also turned to recent criticism of the Tinubu administration by Catholic leaders over the economic and security challenges facing Nigerians.
While some commentators have suggested that those around the President may be shielding him from the realities confronting citizens, Rufai disagreed.
“There is no way the President will not know about all these things. He knows,” he said.
According to Rufai, Tinubu has repeatedly responded to criticism during engagements with religious leaders and traditional rulers, indicating that he is aware of the difficulties facing Nigerians.
“The issue is not awareness. The issue is whether the government’s narrative is landing with Nigerians,” he argued.
He noted that despite the administration’s continued defence of its economic reforms, many Nigerians remain unconvinced amid rising hardship, insecurity and the high cost of living.
Abati, however, defended the right of religious leaders to speak on national issues, saying the Catholic Church had historically challenged governments whenever it considered such interventions necessary in the public interest.
“The Catholic Church has a reputation for speaking its mind. They are not in the business of opposing the government for the sake of it,” he said.
Abati urged the government to view such interventions as constructive criticism rather than hostility.
“What we want in Nigeria is a prophetic Church that defends the interest of the people and speaks truth to power,” he added.
The exchanges highlighted growing concerns over electoral credibility, governance and public trust ahead of the 2027 general election, with the analysts offering contrasting views on whether Wike’s declaration represents political bravado or reflects his confidence in his influence over Rivers State’s political structure.
