Wike advises Rivers NDC governorship candidate Dumo Lulu-Briggs to quit race
By Mercy Ajekigbe
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he advised the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, against contesting the 2027 governorship election.
In a video circulating on social media, Wike spoke about his friendship with Lulu-Briggs, disclosing that he had repeatedly urged him to abandon his governorship ambition and instead use his resources to sponsor another candidate.
Wike said his advice stemmed from Lulu-Briggs’ repeated unsuccessful attempts to become governor, despite contesting the seat more than eight times.
“I don’t know the other people contesting in Rivers State, but Dumo has been my friend. I have told him several times, ‘Dumo, how many times will you contest?
“You are approaching 70 years old, and you have contested for governor of Rivers State more than eight times. Take your money and sponsor someone else,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister also expressed confidence in the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Kingsley Chinda, while acknowledging that one of the leading contenders would ultimately emerge victorious.
However, Wike maintained that while governorship elections remained important, the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 was the top priority of the Rainbow Coalition, which he leads.
The statement comes amid growing criticism of the Minister over his perceived arrogance during campaign speeches and alleged projections of eventual winners in the 2027 general elections
