​Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as “political gamblers” and “kalokalo people,” cautioning residents of Rivers State against entrusting their political future to them ahead of the 2027 general elections.
​Speaking on October 16, 2026, during a political engagement with stakeholders and community leaders in Rivers State, the FCT Minister urged citizens to evaluate political leaders based on tangible developmental track records rather than repeated political ambitions.
​Singling out former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Wike criticized his frequent presidential bids, questioning the consistency and motives behind his continuous candidacy.
​”Don’t trust your destiny to political gamblers. Don’t trust your destiny to ‘kalokalo’ people,” Wike declared. “These people are political gamblers, and you cannot give your destiny to kalokalo people; you cannot hand over your destiny to political gamblers. Give your destiny to somebody we know, who has tried all this, and he has done it.”
​”Atiku has run for presidency several times! That is why I said he is a political gambler. Every four years, he gambles. Every four years he gambles,” he added.
​Wike extended similar criticisms to former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, grouping them as politicians seeking power without a clear vision for sustainable national growth.
​Highlighting the economic and administrative efforts of the current administration, Wike credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with stabilizing key sectors of the national economy and restoring industrial harmony in tertiary institutions.
He called on political actors across Rivers State to reconcile their differences and mobilise undivided support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid under the banner of the Rainbow Coalition.
​He also urged constituency voters to throw their weight behind John Iderima, candidate for the Abua/Odual State Constituency.
​”We don’t want to lose one vote in this January 16, 2027, general election. I want all of us to win with a margin that will surprise everybody,” Wike stated, emphasizing a bottom-up approach where citizens directly determine their fate in government.
​Prominent community leaders and stakeholders present at the event reiterated their endorsement of Wike’s political direction and leadership.
​Speaking on behalf of the Abua/Odual communities, Prof. Continue Eketu praised Wike’s developmental record during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State. Eketu highlighted infrastructure projects executed across the local government area and affirmed full support for Wike’s political alliance.
​”We have decided and agreed to vote massively for all candidates of the Rainbow Coalition,” Prof. Eketu affirmed.
​Additionally, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, commended the Minister for his continuous engagement and mobilization efforts across Rivers State, reiterating that unity remains the key to electoral victory in 2027.
