Wike Reveals Conversation With Rivers NDC Governorship Candidate

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he repeatedly urged Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Rivers State, not to contest the 2027 election.

Mr Wike made the remarks in a video circulating on social media. He described Mr Lulu-Briggs as his friend and said he had told him several times to step aside for someone else, citing his age. According to the minister, Mr Lulu-Briggs is approaching 70 and has contested the Rivers State governorship more than eight times without success. He said he advised the NDC candidate to use his resources to sponsor another person instead.

Mr Wike also said he did not know the other candidates in the Rivers governorship race. The election is expected to take place in February 2027.

Mr Lulu-Briggs has not directly responded to the minister’s comments in the reports reviewed. However, he has recently said publicly that he intends to stay in the race until the end. At a media parley at his country home in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, he rejected allegations that he abandons electoral contests after political settlements.

At the same event, he set out his plans for the state, including a pledge to grow Rivers’ economy from an estimated $20 billion to $200 billion through investment in ports, tourism, the creative sector, power, agriculture and infrastructure. He also said he would not collect a salary as governor if elected.

The Rivers State governorship race is expected to be closely watched, with the NDC fielding Mr Lulu-Briggs against other major parties’ candidates.

naijascope feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com