Obidient Movement has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against attempting to influence the outcome of the 2027 general election, insisting voters must determine the winner through the ballot box.

The warning followed Wike’s declaration that he would lead President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Rivers State and the FCT, a move that has drawn criticism from the political group.

In a statement issued yesterday by its Media and Communications Directorate, the movement urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to remain impartial and prevent any attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

Wike had on Monday declared himself the field commander of Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the two areas.

Reacting, the movement said the former Rivers State governor’s decision to coordinate the campaign did not give him control over voters or the electoral process.

“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 said.

The group noted that Rivers State and FCT belonged to their people and not to any politician, political party or influential political figure.

It challenged Wike to sell Tinubu’s achievements to voters, rather than create the impression that political control over the two territories would guarantee the President’s re-election.

“If Wike believes All Progressives Congress (APC) deserves victory, he should campaign for it and allow the people to decide. If he believes 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 movement said.

Obidient Movement also urged INEC and security agencies to address concerns surrounding the 2027 elections and demonstrate their independence from political interests.

It said any attempt by Wike, his associates or other political actors to manipulate the polls should attract legal consequences.

The group called on Nigerians to monitor the electoral process, document suspected irregularities and report credible evidence of malpractice through lawful channels.

It said the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend on whether votes were freely cast and accurately counted, irrespective of the political status or influence of those involved.

The movement maintained that neither Wike, Tinubu nor the APC should regard victory as guaranteed, stressing that the electorate must have the final say.