By Our Correspondent
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged residents of Abonnema in Rivers State to reject the governorship ambition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Dumo Lulu Briggs, insisting that he stands little chance of winning the 2027 election.
Wike made the appeal on Thursday, November 5, 2026, while addressing community leaders and residents during a town hall meeting in Abonnema, headquarters of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The minister cautioned the people against allowing family ties or community loyalty to determine their political choice, arguing that voting for Lulu Briggs simply because he is their son would not necessarily produce the desired electoral outcome.
According to Wike, although it was understandable for the community to want one of its own to become governor, political realities should guide its decision.
He maintained that the NDC candidate could not secure victory under the party, describing the platform as a poor choice for his governorship ambition.
Wike said the community should instead consider supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Kingsley Chinda, pointing out that Chinda’s running mate also has roots in the area.
He argued that the community had an opportunity to support a candidate who could give it representation in the state government, rather than backing a candidate he believed would lose.
The minister’s remarks form part of his ongoing political mobilisation in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections, during which he has been canvassing support for President Bola Tinubu and candidates contesting under the APC.
At the Abonnema meeting, Wike also appealed to political stakeholders and residents to maintain their support for the President and the ruling party, recalling the community’s contribution to the APC’s presidential campaign during the 2023 elections.
The visit followed his traditional engagement with the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Gbobo Bob Manuel II, who welcomed the minister and his delegation.
The monarch expressed appreciation for previous government interventions in the community and voiced hope that cooperation among political stakeholders would help prevent violence during the forthcoming elections.
Wike’s latest comments also come against the background of his earlier criticism of Lulu Briggs. In October, the minister disclosed that he had advised the NDC candidate, whom he described as a friend, to reconsider his repeated attempts to become Rivers governor.
At the time, Wike claimed Lulu Briggs had contested the governorship position more than eight times and urged him to consider supporting another aspirant instead.
Lulu Briggs, meanwhile, has continued to pursue his political ambition under the NDC, amid growing competition among parties seeking to control Rivers State in 2027.
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