Politics
That same dog barked , made you governor’ — Wike fires back at Fubara,
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
In response to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, of Rivers state, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Saturday said, the same political forces now being derided were instrumental to his emergence as governor.
Wike spoke during his thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Minister said internal divisions in the state had given way to unity, insisting that there are no longer “no-go areas” in Rivers politics.
According to him, “That same dog barked and helped make you governor,” Wike said, in an apparent response to recent remarks credited to Fubara.
“This dog that is barking now was barking when people did not even know who the person was. That same dog barked and helped make the person governor immediately. It is one of fate that the same dog is barking again. I wish you good luck.”
The former Rivers governor told the Okrika crowd that political rivalries in the state were gradually dissolving as stakeholders closed ranks around a common cause.
“I believe in you, and that belief will take you places,” he said. “We used to have some problems, but today everyone is working together. That means there is no longer any no-go area”, he emphasized.
Wike stressed that the new alignment transcends party politics, describing it as a collective resolve anchored on shared interests rather than partisan labels.
“We are not talking about party here; we are talking about the real Hope family,” he said. “All of us have decided that we are going to work together. There is no discussion about that. We will not make the mistake we made last time. We are here to correct that mistake”, he explained.
The FCT minister also dismissed claims that his political camp lacked electoral strength, saying political advantage is not measured by pessimistic projections but by organisation and total mobilisation.
He added that, ” Some people say, ‘They can only deliver two to ten per cent.’ So what is political advantage?” he asked. “We will do all we can to ensure we give the total support required.”
Reacting to personal attacks against him, Wike defended his academic background and political credentials, describing such criticisms as the resort of political actors who lack electoral relevance.
“Someone who was once a senator said the Minister of the FCT is semi-illiterate,” he said. “Yet that same person dropped out of university. I went to university, studied Law, went to Law School and today I am a Life Bencher. I hold the national honour of CON. That same man does not know how to win elections.”
He contrasted his own political trajectory with that of his critics, recalling their electoral failures.
“He contested for the chairmanship of volleyball and failed. He sabotaged the party and the party lost at the tribunal. But I contested and won twice,” Wike said.
The minister further highlighted his record in public office, from party leadership to commissioner, governor and now FCT minister, insisting that his performance remains verifiable.
“As Minister of the FCT today, anybody can go and check the records,” he said. “When people cannot do what you are doing, they start calling you names. I am not worried about that.”
Wike also dismissed allegations that he masterminds legal or political troubles for opponents, recalling that past prosecutions predated any alleged influence from him.
“In 2016, he refused the EFCC and was prosecuted,” Wike said. “Was that also me? He escaped prison because of immunity. How come now, when you have the same problem, you are saying it is me who is masterminding it?” he asked
Explaining the purpose of his visit to Okrika, Wike said it was primarily to appreciate loyalty and reaffirm his political bond with supporters.
“I came to say thank you,” he said. “This is my endorsement. I know you will never abandon me.”
He warned against the assumption that financial power alone could secure political victory, stressing that leadership and consistency are decisive.
Wike further explained that, “Money cannot solve all problems,” Wike said. “Whoever is assuring you that shouting about your mandate will automatically give you victory is not correct.”
The minister thanked the people of Okrika for reclaiming their local council and urged leaders to embrace inclusive governance and engagement.
He also commended women in the area for their support, assuring them of continued partnership.
He noted that, “We will not take your support for granted,” Wike said. “If there are problems, we will come back to you. But for now, we have no problems.”
Politics
2027 General Election; APC Releases Schedule of Activities

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.
This is contained in the Schedule of Activities signed by the Party’s National Organising Secretary, His Excellency Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, OFR. The timetable outlines, among other activities, timelines for screening, appeals, and primary elections, as well as directives on the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms.
The APC reassures members, stakeholders, and Nigerians of its commitment to conducting a credible and transparent primary election that will further strengthen the Party’s internal democracy and consolidate its progressive ideals.
Politics
Wike to Aggrieved PDP Members: You’ll Get Your Due, Come Back
By Wumi Tewogbade,Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the National Leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike, has assured aggrieved members of the party that they will not lose their entitlements if they return, declaring that many who left only did so out of uncertainty and in search of political shelter.
He therefore urged the party leadership to urgently move for reconciliation.
“Chairman and your team should put in place a strong committee to reach out to those who are aggrieved.
“There is room for them to come back, and whatever is due to them will still be given,” Wike said at the 108th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held Monday at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
The former Rivers State governor insisted that the PDP must close ranks quickly, warning that lingering internal wrangling could weaken its chances ahead of future elections.
“In life, there must be a period of crisis. What matters is how we resolve the crisis. Now that we are together, we must not stop at reconciliation,” he said.
Wike also reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, declaring that he has no intention of leaving despite ongoing tensions.
“I have been a member of this party since 1998 and I will not leave. Whatever happens, we will continue to live as members of the PDP,” he stated.
He further called for transparency and openness in party affairs, saying this would rebuild confidence and attract back those who had drifted away.
“If you engage them, they will understand and support the party. There is need for openness so that we can achieve the unity we desire,” he added, while expressing confidence in the party’s legal team.
Earlier, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, signalled a fresh start for the opposition party, declaring that the era of uncertainty was over.
According to him, the party will strictly follow the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting its congresses.
“The era of uncertainty is behind us. The era of strategy, consultation, and electoral preparation has begun,” he said, promising transparent and credible congresses across all levels.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, stressed that unity must remain the party’s top priority.
He urged members to bury their differences, warning that there was no room for exclusion if the PDP must regain its footing nationally.
Ohuabunwa also called for discipline and strict adherence to the party’s constitution, while commending reforms such as the e-registration initiative aimed at strengthening internal processes and repositioning the party for the challenges ahead.
Politics
Obi, Kwankwaso Supporters Form ‘OK Movement’ to Clinch ADC Presidential Candidate
By Son Tertsea, Abuja
Supporters of former governors Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso of Anambra State and Kano State respectively, today unveiled a new political pressure group, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso “OK Movement” aimed at clinching the ticket at the forthcoming African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary.
The group revealed that it has established structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with state and zonal coordinators to drive its mobilisation.
Making the disclosure, the National Publicity Secretary of the movement, Justin Ijeh, described the initiative as a coalition of political forces comprising the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya, the New Nigeria People’s Party, and the African Democratic Congress.
In his words, “Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads. Today, as our people endure the weight of unprecedented economic hardship, the soaring cost of living, and the persistent shadow of insecurity, the Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement formally unveils its national and state structures.
“This is more than a political milestone; it is the birth of a coordinated, nationwide engine for systemic reform and national rebirth. We recognise the exhaustion felt in every Nigerian household. Yet, in this moment of darkness, the OK Movement stands as a beacon of resolute hope.
“The Movement is a home for all well-meaning Nigerians. We reject the politics of tribalism, regionalism, and religious sentiment that have long been used to keep our people divided while the nation falters.”
He added, “In the coming weeks, the official inauguration of our state chapters will commence across the federation. This is an open invitation to every Nigerian who believes that our current reality need not be our final destiny.
“Through solidarity, purposeful leadership, and the courage to demand better, we will prevail. The structures are set, the vision clear, the movement is here and together, we will make Nigeria OK,” he said.
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, when contacted, confirmed that the group is working in alliance with existing Obi support structures toward a joint presidential ticket under the ADC.
“Yes, Ijeh and others are some of our people. There is no division. Both the OK Movement and The Village Boys Movement are working for the same purpose,” he said.
