Wike Urges Dumo Lulu-Briggs to Drop Rivers Governorship Ambition Ahead of 2027

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he advised the 2027 governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Rivers State, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, to withdraw from the race and support another aspirant.

Wike disclosed this in a video circulating online, where he described Lulu-Briggs as his friend and said he had repeatedly urged him to reconsider his ambition to become governor of Rivers State.

According to the minister, Lulu-Briggs had contested the governorship election more than eight times without success and should consider supporting another candidate instead.

“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?’” Wike said.

He added, “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 also expressed confidence in the chances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Kingsley Chinda, in the forthcoming election.

The FCT minister acknowledged that one of the contenders would eventually emerge victorious but maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid remained the priority.

His comments come as political parties and aspirants intensify consultations and strategise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development also highlights the political calculations and possible realignments expected to shape the Rivers State governorship contest.