'I am the General Commander': Wike declared he still controlled Rivers politics despite leaving office

• Nyesom Wike declared that he remains in charge of the political structure in both Rivers State and the FCT.

• He said political influence is not determined by being a sitting governor, describing himself as the "General Commander of the Political Infantry."

• The former Rivers governor said his visit home was to reconnect with supporters, monitor political developments and see his family.

• Wike also hinted at playing an active role ahead of the 2027 elections while defending his record as governor and FCT minister.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has once again stirred political conversations after boldly declaring that he is still the man in charge of the political structure in Rivers State and the FCT, despite no longer serving as governor.

Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday during a visit to Rivers State, the former governor dismissed the idea that only sitting governors control political structures in their states.

According to him, political influence goes beyond occupying a government office.

"You do not need to be governor before you can be in charge. I am the General Commander of the Political Infantry; therefore, I am in charge. So also in FCT. I owe the president to give these two. As far as the election is concerned, you count FCT as a state."

Wike's comments come amid the lingering political rivalry between him and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The once-close allies have been locked in a prolonged battle over the control of the state's political machinery, a crisis that has reshaped Rivers politics over the past two years.

The FCT minister explained that his return to Rivers was not because he was relocating from Abuja but because he wanted to reconnect with his political base, monitor developments on the ground and also spend time with his family.

"It’s not about relocating; it’s about coming home to reconnect with my people and talk to them, not taking chances… so that they don’t just sit in Abuja and think everything is going well."

He added: "I have to come back home and see how those things are going on. My coming home is very good and not only political. I have parents who are still alive; I have to see them and do other things."

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With preparations gradually building towards the 2027 general elections, Wike also hinted that he has no plans to sit back and watch events unfold.

"Politics, of course, this is the time. You want me to fold my hand for Atiku to come and win the election?"

During the interaction, journalists attempted to wrap up the interview, but Wike interrupted the process, insisting that what he was saying deserved nationwide attention.

"Sorry, don’t round up. This story is very important. Without this story, don’t round up. I’m a special person that Nigerians want to listen to."

The former Rivers governor also defended his reputation as a performer in public office, pointing to projects completed during his administration in Rivers State and what he described as improvements in the FCT since he assumed office as minister in August 2023.

According to him, critics focus on attacking him instead of acknowledging the results of his work.

"I was a governor, not a governor of any other state but governor of Rivers State. People thought I just came. Before harmattan, there was cold. I didn’t just come from zero. Look, I came to FCT to prove a point that there’s nothing difficult if you want to work, and whether you agree or not, we’ve been able to change that narrative."

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He continued: "That’s why you have more enemies. If you take first in class, instead of people asking how you did it, some people will say every time he’s proving, as if he’s the only one who can take first. Go and take first; let’s see. We have changed the narrative, and that’s why no party will win the president in FCT."

Wike's latest remarks are expected to further fuel political debates ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as Rivers State remains one of Nigeria's most politically strategic states. His repeated insistence that he still controls the political structure suggests the battle for influence in Rivers is far from over.