The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he would receive political directives from anyone, including President Bola Tinubu, concerning Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general election.

Wike disclosed this while addressing his supporters during a gathering over the weekend in Ahoada Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He described reports suggesting that the President or other political figures could call and instruct him on political matters in Rivers as false and misleading.

According to the former Rivers State governor, no one has the authority to dictate political decisions in the state, stressing that election tickets would not be handed out based on slogans or public chants.

Wike added that repeatedly invoking phrases such as “on your mandate” would not automatically secure any aspirant a party ticket, a remark widely interpreted as a reference to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

“I hear that people are boasting that they will call me and give me instructions. Let me tell you, there is nothing like instruction as far as Rivers State is concerned,” Wike said.

“Nobody will call me. If you like shout ‘on your mandate’ 50 times a day, it will not give you an automatic ticket.”

Wike, however, reiterated that his political decisions would be guided strictly by his own judgment and interests, not by pressure or external influence. ((Tribune)