NDC Chairman Rejects Wike’s Claim That Obi Cannot Win Rivers

The chairman of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, in Rivers State, Emma Okah, has rejected the claim by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi cannot win the state in the 2027 presidential election.

Wike had recently stated that Obi would not secure victory in Rivers State during the 2027 presidential poll, citing his political influence and support base in the state.

However, Okah dismissed the claim, insisting that Rivers voters were free to decide who they would support at the election.

The NDC chairman said Wike could not determine the voting preferences of residents across the state, stressing that the electorate would ultimately decide the outcome through their ballots.

“Not in our state,” Okah said when asked about Wike’s assertion that Obi could not win Rivers.

He maintained that the NDC was building its political structure across the state and would continue to engage voters at the grassroots ahead of the election.

Okah also said the party would not be distracted by statements from political opponents, adding that its focus remained on mobilising support and presenting its candidates to the electorate.

The disagreement comes amid growing political activity in Rivers State, where various parties and political groups are positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, remains an influential political figure in the state and has continued to participate actively in national political discussions ahead of the election.

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, has emerged as the NDC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The NDC chairman said the party would continue its mobilisation efforts across Rivers State and allow voters to make their choice when the election is held.

The contest in Rivers is expected to attract increased attention as the 2027 election approaches, with political parties intensifying grassroots campaigns and seeking to consolidate their support among the state’s electorate.