Nobody Should Have That Kind Of Power — Abati Slams Wike Over Rivers Political Rally

Former presidential aide and broadcaster, Reuben Abati, has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over a viral video purportedly showing him allocating political positions during a rally in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Abati expressed his concerns on Friday while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he reacted to the footage allegedly showing Wike identifying individuals for various political offices.

The broadcaster argued that Wike’s conduct gave the impression that he believed he could determine who would occupy the presidency, governorship and legislative positions before Nigerians cast their votes in the forthcoming elections.

Abati acknowledged that Wike and other political figures, including former Rivers State governor and current Minister of Works, David Umahi, could work together in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. However, he maintained that political alliances should not be mistaken for the authority to determine electoral outcomes.

Abati said he was particularly concerned about what he described as Wike’s tendency to behave as though he could dictate political decisions to others.

He explained that the video appeared to show Wike telling supporters at the Rivers State gathering which candidates should occupy various offices, including the presidency, governorship and Senate seats.

According to Abati, Wike allegedly proceeded to identify individuals for positions in the House of Representatives and the state House of Assembly, with supporters reportedly expressing excitement during the process.

The broadcaster questioned the propriety of such conduct, insisting that political offices should not be treated as positions that an individual could distribute at a rally.

“Nobody should have that kind of power. It should be the Nigerian people, the electorate that should vote,” Abati stated.

He stressed that while politicians were free to form alliances and campaign for their preferred candidates, the ultimate decision on who emerges victorious in an election must rest with the electorate.

Abati’s comments have brought renewed attention to political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly the role of influential political figures in shaping party alliances and candidate support.

His remarks also underscore the importance of democratic participation and the principle that elected offices are determined by voters through the electoral process, rather than by declarations made at political gatherings.