Former presidential aide and Arise TV Morning Show anchor Reuben Abati has criticised Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike over a video in which the minister was reportedly seen allocating political positions at a rally in Rivers State.

Abati questioned the extent of political influence suggested by the footage, arguing that decisions about who occupies elective offices should ultimately be made by Nigerian voters.

What You Should Know

• Reuben Abati criticised Nyesom Wike during Arise TV’s Morning Show.
• The comments followed the circulation of a video reportedly showing Wike discussing political positions at a rally in Rivers State.
• Abati said the conduct depicted in the video suggested that Wike was acting as though he could determine who would occupy different political offices.
• He maintained that the electorate should decide election outcomes through voting.
• Abati also acknowledged that Wike and other political figures have the right to work together in support of President Bola Tinubu.

Why Abati Questioned Wike’s Political Influence

Speaking on the What’s Trending segment of the Morning Show, hosted by Ojy Okpe, Abati took issue with what he described as Wike’s apparent attempt to dictate political outcomes.

He referred to a video circulating online in which Wike was reportedly seen addressing a gathering in Rivers State and discussing who would occupy several political positions.

According to Abati, the minister spoke about President Tinubu retaining the presidency, as well as candidates taking governorship, Senate and other legislative positions. Abati said Wike appeared to call on people at the rally to step forward in connection with the positions being discussed.

The anchor also described a moment in which Wike reportedly indicated that he, too, should receive something after discussing positions for other political figures. Abati said the minister then called out an individual for a House of Representatives position and referred to others he described as his associates for seats in the State House of Assembly.

Abati’s objection was not to politicians working together, but to what he viewed as the suggestion that one individual could determine who should occupy elective offices.

‘Nobody Should Have That Kind Of Power’

Emphasising his concerns, Abati said political cooperation was acceptable, but argued that it should not be confused with the power to decide election outcomes.

He said:

“Wike and Senator Umahi and all of them, they are working for the same purpose, to make sure that President Tinubu is elected. So, they are family in that regard.”

Abati then questioned Wike’s conduct, saying he did not understand why the minister behaved as though he could dictate to everyone.

He added that the decision over who occupies elective positions should rest with Nigerian citizens at the ballot box.

“No. Nobody should have that kind of power. It should be the Nigerian people, the electorate that should vote,” Abati said.

He nevertheless maintained that Wike and other political figures were entitled to cooperate politically, concluding that “as for their family, yeah, they have the right to work together.”

Political Alliances and Voters’ Choice Ahead of 2027

The comments bring attention to the distinction between political alliances and the electoral authority of voters as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

Political figures may support the same candidate, coordinate their activities or campaign for preferred aspirants. Abati’s criticism, however, focused on the impression he said the circulating video created: that political positions could be assigned by an individual rather than determined through elections.

His remarks also highlighted the importance of voters’ choice in contests for the presidency, governorships and legislative seats.

The supplied report does not independently establish the full context of the video or confirm that any political positions were formally allocated. The account of the footage and its implications therefore remains tied to Abati’s description of what he said he observed.

What the Remarks Mean for the Political Debate

Abati’s intervention places Wike’s reported remarks within a broader debate about political influence, candidate selection and the role of the electorate.

The central issue raised by the anchor is whether discussions among political allies could create the impression that the outcome of an election has already been decided before voters cast their ballots.

His position was that political cooperation is legitimate, but the authority to elect representatives belongs to the electorate.

As political parties and their supporters prepare for the 2027 elections, Abati’s comments underscore the distinction between campaigning for candidates and determining who ultimately wins public office. The supplied report does not include a response from Wike to Abati’s criticism.