Reuben Abati criticises Nyesom Wike over his political conduct, insisting that Nigerians should decide who occupies elective offices in 2027
Former presidential aide and Arise Television Morning Show anchor, Dr Reuben Abati, has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of behaving as though he could dictate political choices to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Abati made the remarks on Friday, October 9, 2026, while speaking during Ojy Okpe’s What’s Trending segment of the Morning Show.
His comments followed the circulation of a video reportedly showing Wike announcing political positions for individuals at a rally in Rivers State.
According to Abati, the minister’s remarks suggested that he believed he could determine who would occupy the presidency, governorship positions and legislative seats in the next election cycle.
Abati questioned the idea of allocating elective offices before voters had the opportunity to make their choices at the ballot box.
“There is one video in circulation. He had an event in the Rivers where he was practically sharing positions,” Abati said.
He added that Wike had reportedly declared that President Bola Tinubu would retain the presidency and identified individuals for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly positions.
Abati said the minister subsequently called on some of his associates to step forward for the offices mentioned during the event.
He argued that political leaders should not act as though they had the authority to determine election outcomes in advance.
“Nobody should have that kind of power. It should be the Nigerian people, the electorate that should vote,” Abati said.
Despite his criticism of Wike’s conduct, Abati acknowledged that the minister and other political figures had the right to work together in support of a common candidate.
He referred to Wike and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, as people working towards the re-election of President Tinubu.
“Wike and Senator Umahi and all of them, they are working for the same purpose, to make sure that President Tinubu is elected. So, they are family in that regard,” Abati said.
However, he maintained that political cooperation should not be confused with the power to determine who wins elective positions.
Abati’s remarks underline the distinction between political endorsements and the role of voters in deciding election outcomes.
The 2027 general elections are expected to bring renewed political negotiations, endorsements and competition for elective offices across Nigeria.
Political leaders and party stakeholders often campaign for preferred candidates, but the outcome of elections is determined through the established electoral process.
Abati’s criticism centres on his interpretation of Wike’s conduct at the Rivers State rally, particularly the reported presentation of candidates for various offices.
The video described in the report has circulated online, but the account does not independently establish that the positions mentioned have been formally allocated or that the individuals identified will emerge as their parties’ candidates.
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Wike’s response to Abati’s remarks was not included in the report.
