FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday described former Vice-President and presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi as well as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, as politicians playing political Kalokalo (gamblers).
He accused them of pursuing personal interests rather than a clear agenda for national development.
Wike spoke during a town hall meeting in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he also challenged former governors of the state to showcase their achievements in the area compared with projects executed by his administration.
The minister, who addressed traditional rulers, political leaders, women groups, academics and youths, urged Rivers residents to reject politicians he accused of repeatedly seeking power without delivering the desired development.
He specifically cited Atiku’s repeated presidential bids, saying the former vice-president had contested for the nation’s highest office several times.
Wike described them as ‘political kalokalo’.
“Don’t trust your destiny to political gamblers. Don’t trust your destiny to kalokalo people,” Wike said.
He added: “Atiku has run for presidency for several times! That is why I said he is a political gambler. Every four years, he gambles. Every four years he gambles.”
Wike’s remarks also targeted Amaechi and Obi, grouping them among politicians he described as gamblers in the contest for political power.
The minister argued that some politicians continued to seek the presidency in what he portrayed as desperate attempts to recover resources and influence lost in previous electoral contests.
Wike urged Nigerians to scrutinise the motives and records of political aspirants rather than be swayed by their promises.
Turning to Rivers State, the former governor challenged his predecessor to identify projects he executed in Abua/Odual, insisting that his administration made significant contributions to the area’s development.
“I challenge any other person who was governor to come to Abua/Odual and point out what he or she did for the people of Abua/Odual,” he said.
Wike maintained that the people themselves could attest to the impact of his administration’s projects, particularly road infrastructure aimed at opening up communities and improving economic activities.
He cited efforts to improve connectivity in the area, including road links towards Abonnema, as part of his administration’s drive to expand access and stimulate commercial activities.
The minister also appealed to party leaders and stakeholders to reconcile their differences and bring aggrieved members back into the fold ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I have forgiven everybody. You too, forgive everybody,” he said.
Wike urged the political leadership in the area to work together to secure victory at the polls, warning against divisions that could undermine the party’s electoral prospects.
“We don’t want to lose one vote in this 16th of January 2027 general election. I want all of us to win with the margin that will surprised everybody,” he said.
The meeting formed part of efforts to consolidate political support in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, with Wike calling for unity, reconciliation and grassroots mobilisation.
The Minister praised President Tinubu’s administration for stabilizing critical national sectors and restoring industrial harmony in tertiary institutions, calling on Abua-Odual residents to remain steadfast with the current administration heading into 2027.
