The Obidient Movement has issued a fresh warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against any attempt to interfere with the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
According to the group, they insist that Nigerians must be allowed to choose their leaders through a free, fair and credible process.
The movement raised concerns over Wike’s recent declaration that he would lead President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the FCT and Rivers State.
It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to remain impartial and prevent political interference in the conduct of the elections.
In a statement released on Wednesday through its Media and Communications Directorate, the group maintained that no individual or political party had the authority to predetermine the outcome of an election before voters went to the polls.
Wike had on Monday declared himself the field commander of Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the two territories, indicating his intention to coordinate political activities in support of the president’s bid for another term.
The declaration has drawn a response from the Obidient Movement, which warned that political influence and campaign leadership must not be confused with control over the electorate or the institutions responsible for conducting elections.
Reacting to Wike’s position, the movement said, “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 group argued that the responsibility for determining election results rests with voters, while the electoral process must remain under the control of the legally recognised institutions established to conduct and protect elections.
It also stressed that neither Rivers State nor the FCT should be treated as the political property of any individual, party or influential politician.
“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 read.
The movement said politicians who want Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure victory in 2027 should focus on persuading voters rather than making declarations that could be interpreted as an attempt to dominate the electoral process.
It maintained that campaign activities should centre on presenting policies, defending the government’s record and convincing Nigerians that their preferred candidates deserve another opportunity to govern.
“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,” it said.
The Obidient Movement further urged INEC to demonstrate its independence in the preparations for the 2027 elections.
It called on the commission to ensure that electoral rules are applied fairly and that every eligible voter can participate without intimidation or undue influence.
The group also called on security agencies to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials, warning that the credibility of the polls would depend partly on how effectively authorities respond to threats and alleged attempts to manipulate the process.
It said that anyone found attempting to compromise the elections should face the consequences provided by law, regardless of political connections or public office.
“The Obidient Movement warns that any attempt by Wike, his political associates, or anyone else to manipulate the 2027 elections must be treated as an unforgivable electoral offence.”
The statement also appealed to Nigerians to take an active interest in the electoral process before, during and after the polls.
It encouraged citizens to remain alert, preserve evidence of suspected irregularities and report credible cases to the appropriate authorities.
“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 added.
The group said public participation and vigilance would be important in discouraging electoral malpractice.
However, its call for citizens to protect their votes comes alongside the need to document incidents and pursue complaints through lawful channels, rather than resorting to violence or other unlawful actions.
