PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has taken a swipe at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, over his reported claim that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would never become President of Nigeria and that he possessed the political structure to frustrate such an ambition in the 2027 general elections.
Reacting in a statement made available to journalists, Eze described the reported remarks as “unfortunate, childish, undemocratic and arrogant,” warning that such assertions portray a dangerous misconception that the political destiny of Nigeria can be determined by a single individual rather than the electorate.
He stressed that in a constitutional democracy, sovereignty resides with the people, insisting that no politician, regardless of the office occupied or influence wielded, possesses the authority to determine who emerges as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Eze challenged the FCT Minister to explain what he meant by the “structure” he frequently boasts about, arguing that Nigerians deserve to know whether such a structure is founded on genuine public support or on the alleged manipulation of state institutions and political processes.
“It is important that Wike tells Nigerians what he means by structure. Is it the structure of the people or the structure of power? Is it a structure founded on democratic principles or one built around the intimidation of opponents and the manipulation of institutions? These are questions Nigerians deserve answers to,” Eze said.
According to the ADC stalwart, the prevailing economic hardship, rising cost of living, insecurity and worsening social conditions have significantly reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape, making it increasingly difficult for political elites to dictate electoral outcomes through influence or intimidation.
He maintained that Nigerians, particularly the youth, have become more politically conscious and are determined to reclaim the country’s democratic space from political actors whose actions, he said, have contributed to the nation’s current socio-economic challenges.
“The era when a handful of influential politicians could gather behind closed doors and determine the fate of the nation is gradually coming to an end. Nigerians are more enlightened today and are prepared to make independent political choices,” he stated.
Eze reminded Wike that political influence is neither permanent nor absolute, noting that history is filled with examples of once-powerful politicians whose dominance eventually faded with changing public sentiment.
He cautioned against what he described as the illusion of political invincibility, emphasizing that ultimate political authority rests with the electorate, who reserve the constitutional right to elect or reject leaders at the polls.
The former nPDP spokesman argued that public office holders in the administration of President Bola Tinubu should devote greater attention to addressing pressing national challenges rather than engaging in premature political declarations ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the next presidential election will be decided not by political boasts, threats or propaganda, but by Nigerians’ assessment of candidates based on competence, integrity, leadership capacity and their ability to restore economic stability and public confidence.
Eze also expressed confidence in the African Democratic Congress, describing it as a credible and growing political platform capable of mobilising Nigerians seeking democratic reforms and effective governance.
He argued that political calculations and alliances that proved successful in previous elections should not be mistaken for guarantees of future electoral victories, insisting that the nation’s political dynamics have changed considerably.
The ADC chieftain further observed that political realignments across Rivers State and the South-South geopolitical zone reflect an increasing desire among stakeholders to build broader alliances aimed at addressing Nigeria’s economic and political challenges.
He maintained that no amount of intimidation, propaganda or political manoeuvring could suppress the growing demand among Nigerians for accountable leadership, transparency and good governance.
“The unfortunate impression being created by Wike is that the destiny of Nigeria rests in his hands. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Nigeria belongs to over 300 million citizens and not to one individual, no matter how highly placed. The occupant of Aso Rock in 2027 will be determined by Nigerians and not by the personal wishes of any political office holder,” Eze declared.
He warned that any political structure founded on arrogance, intimidation, abuse of state power or the manipulation of democratic institutions would ultimately collapse in the face of the collective resolve of the Nigerian electorate.
Insisting that Nigerians have become more vigilant and determined to defend the sanctity of their votes, Eze urged Wike to abandon what he described as divisive rhetoric and political grandstanding and instead concentrate on delivering effective governance as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
He concluded that no individual has a monopoly over Nigeria’s political future.
“Nobody owns Nigeria. Nobody has the monopoly of political relevance. Nobody possesses a private franchise over the Presidency of this country. The sovereign will of Nigerians remains supreme and will ultimately prevail over every scheme, every structure and every attempt to undermine the democratic choice of the people. The 2027 election will be decided by Nigerians and Nigerians alone,” he said.
