The Obidient Movement has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against any attempt to interfere with the conduct of the 2027 general elections, insisting that voters alone have the constitutional power to determine electoral outcomes.
The group’s reaction followed Wike’s declaration that he would serve as the ‘field commander’ for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.
The ruling All Progressives Congress subsequently named the FCT minister as campaign coordinator for Tinubu’s re-election bid in both territories.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Media and Communications Directorate, the movement said political appointments and campaign responsibilities did not give Wike or any other individual the power to dictate how citizens should vote or determine election results ahead of the polls.
“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 statement read.
The movement maintained that Rivers State and the FCT were not the possessions of political officeholders, parties or influential political figures, stressing that Nigerians must be allowed to choose their leaders through credible elections.
“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 added.
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It challenged Wike and the APC to focus on presenting their achievements and making a case for Tinubu’s re-election rather than relying on political influence or declarations of electoral dominance.
“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,” the statement added.
The group also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to remain neutral throughout the electoral process and take proactive steps to address concerns about the credibility of the 2027 elections.
It warned that any attempt to manipulate the polls would amount to an “unforgivable electoral offence”, calling on Nigerians to remain alert and take responsibility for protecting the integrity of their votes.
The movement encouraged citizens to gather and report credible evidence of electoral malpractice through lawful channels to ensure that alleged irregularities were brought to public attention.
“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 concluded.