Nyesom Wike reveals he urged Rivers NDC candidate Dumo Lulu-Briggs to quit the 2027 race and support another aspirant

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he spoke with the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, about his decision to contest the 2027 election.

Also read: NDC Hits Back as Candidates Defect to APC

Wike said he had advised Lulu-Briggs, whom he described as a friend, to reconsider his ambition and support another candidate in the February 2027 governorship election.

The minister disclosed this in a video circulating on Wednesday while discussing the political contest in Rivers State.

According to Wike, he had repeatedly questioned Lulu-Briggs about his decision to continue contesting for the governorship position after several unsuccessful attempts.

“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.

The former Rivers State governor said Lulu-Briggs was approaching 70 and had contested the governorship election more than eight times without emerging victorious.

“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,” he added.

Wike said his advice to the NDC candidate was based on his belief that he could contribute to the political process by supporting another aspirant rather than continuing to seek the governorship himself.

The minister also expressed confidence in the chances of the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Kingsley Chinda, in the forthcoming election.

Wike acknowledged that one of the major contenders would eventually emerge victorious, but stressed that the political priority remained President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The comments come as political activities intensify in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with several parties expected to intensify their campaigns and mobilisation in the state.

Lulu-Briggs is among the politicians seeking to challenge for the Rivers governorship, while the contest is expected to attract significant attention because of the state’s political importance and the influence of major political actors.

Also read: NDC Hits Back as Candidates Defect to APC

Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, remains an influential figure in the state’s politics despite his current role as FCT minister.