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.”
By Isa Abdul
Peter Obi has signed a one term agreement as president, if he wins the 2027 election.
Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, confirmed that Obi, the party’s presidential candidate, indeed signed a written agreement with him to serve only a single tenure of four years and allow power to return to the North if elected president in 2027.
Kwankwaso made this known during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, saying the agreement was aimed at ensuring power returns to the North after a single four-year tenure in line with the party’s power-sharing arrangement.
The former Kano State governor said he does not doubt Obi’s commitment to honouring the agreement. Kwankwaso said:
“Oh yes, I personally believe him. I don’t think, based on what I now know about him, that he will change his mind when the time comes. We are all gentlemen.”
Kwankwaso affirmed that both the party and the two candidates signed separate agreements on the single term accord.
“We have done one for the party, and we have done another one between the two of us.”
The substance of the agreement, Kwankwaso explained, is to ensure a single four-year tenure for Obi before the presidency returns to the North.
“The agreement is what you said, that for four years, we will work together, team together as a group, party, friends and brothers so that after his term of four years (2027-2031), it comes back to the North. That is the general agreement.”
He said he accepted the vice-presidential slot because both leaders agreed that the South should retain the presidency for only one term before power rotates back to the North.
“Together we felt that the presidency should go to the South for four years; thereafter it will come back to the North.
“We believe that should be the consensus of everybody in this country so that we can move together as a family, both North and South,” he said.
On whether he intends to contest the presidency in 2031, Kwankwaso said the party remained focused on winning the 2027 election while keeping its long-term political plans in view.
“We have a short-term plan which we are executing now and, of course, we also have our medium and long-term plans for the country, and that is what we are working on now,” he said.
Obi, according to reports, had in May 2026 announced that he would serve only one term if elected president, saying the decision was intended to promote political stability and strengthen national unity
Politics
Namdas Congratulates Shettima, Says Tinubu’s Renomination of VP Signals Stability, Continuity
By Philip Nyam
The newly appointed Director General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas, Ph.D has commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to renominate Senator Kashim Shettima as the Vice Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 Presidential Election as a bold affirmation of competence, loyalty, and results.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Namdas said, “As a proud member of the APC and a stakeholder committed to the unity and progress of our nation, I heartily congratulate His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, on this well-deserved renomination.
“I also extend my profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the wisdom and foresight demonstrated in retaining a Vice President who has stood firm with him in steering the affairs of this country through challenging times”, he stated.
Namdas noted that “Since assuming office in 2023, the Tinubu-Shettima ticket has provided purposeful leadership anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda. Senator Shettima has not been a spare tire. He has been an active partner in governance. From driving economic reforms, to deepening engagement with the private sector, to representing Nigeria with dignity on the global stage, and to providing calm, thoughtful leadership in the North East and across the country, he has shown capacity, humility, and dedication”.
According to him, “Mr. President’s choice to retain Senator Shettima sends a clear message to Nigerians and to the world: that this administration values continuity, experience, and teamwork. It tells our citizens that performance will be rewarded, and that the job of nation-building is not for grandstanding, but for steady hands.
“I also congratulate our great party, the APC, for presenting what is, without doubt, the most formidable presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election. With President Tinubu at the helm and Senator Shettima as his deputy, the APC is offering Nigerians a tested team that understands the assignment and has the courage to take the hard decisions required to reposition our economy, secure every part of Nigeria, and create opportunities for our young people.
“The road ahead will demand more sacrifice, more unity, and more belief in the Nigeria project. But with this ticket, I am confident that the APC will not only retain power in 2027 but will do so with an even stronger mandate because Nigerians can see that the foundation being laid today will deliver the prosperity we all seek tomorrow.
“Once again, congratulations to Senator Kashim Shettima. Thank you, Mr. President, for your confidence and for putting Nigeria first. And congratulations to the APC family. The work continues, and victory, by the grace of God and the will of the people, is assured”.
— Vatsa, APC Chieftain Tells Bago
By Michael Lim
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger state has been urged to select a Christian running mate for the 2027 governorship election for fairness and to garner more Christian support.
Jonathan Vatsa, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State and former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, has advised.
He warned that failure to do so could cost the party significant votes due to the ongoing marginalisation of Christians in the state’s political landscape.
Speaking with journalists in Minna on Saturday, Vatsa expressed concern that the APC’s recent primaries produced almost exclusively Muslim candidates.
He noted that only one Christian secured a ticket for the entire State House of Assembly, while all three senatorial candidates, 11 House of Representatives candidates, and 26 out of 27 House of Assembly candidates are Muslims.
According to Vatsa, Christians have also been sidelined in political appointments, despite Governor Bago’s public outreach to Christian groups.
But he argued that symbolic gestures such as attending church programmes or making donations cannot substitute for genuine inclusion in governance.
“It’s not about attending church programmes, singing choruses or making donations. What matters is fairness and inclusion in appointments and elective positions,” he said.
Vatsa maintained that nominating a Christian deputy would help restore balance and strengthen the APC’s chances in 2027.
He cautioned that if opposition parties present Christian running mates, they could attract sympathy votes from the Christian community.
He further stressed that the credibility of candidates, rather than party platforms, will play a decisive role in the upcoming elections.
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