By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Obidient Movement has warned Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike against any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections, insisting that Nigerians must be allowed to freely choose their leaders.
The group’s warning followed Wike’s declaration that he would coordinate President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday through its Media and Communications Directorate, the movement urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to remain neutral and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
It maintained that political influence, campaign leadership and public office do not confer control over voters or the institutions responsible for conducting elections.
“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 group said.
Wike had on Monday declared himself the field commander of Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the FCT and Rivers State, signalling his intention to coordinate political activities in support of the President’s second-term bid.
Reacting, the Obidient Movement said neither territory should be treated as the political property of any individual, party or influential politician.
“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 read.
The group argued that politicians seeking victory for Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) should concentrate on persuading voters through their policies and records rather than making declarations that could be interpreted as attempts to dominate the electoral process.
“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,” it said.
Movement tasks INEC, security agencies
The Obidient Movement called on INEC to demonstrate its independence by applying electoral rules fairly and ensuring that eligible voters can participate without intimidation or undue influence.
It also urged security agencies to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials, warning that the credibility of the 2027 polls would depend partly on how effectively authorities respond to threats and suspected attempts to manipulate the process.
The group called for legal consequences for anyone found to have compromised the elections, irrespective of political affiliation or public position.
“The Obidient Movement warns that any attempt by Wike, his political associates, or anyone else to manipulate the 2027 elections must be treated as an unforgivable electoral offence,” it said.
The movement further encouraged Nigerians to remain vigilant before, during and after the elections, document suspected irregularities and submit credible evidence to the appropriate authorities.
“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 added.
The group said sustained public participation and vigilance would be essential to discouraging electoral malpractice and protecting the credibility of the elections.
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