arise television presenter rufai oseni criticises fct minister nyesom wike over comments on the 2027 elections and his account of the 2024 edo governorship poll, warning that citizens who tolerate electoral malpractice may continue to suffer its consequences.
Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has criticised Nigerians who continue to support what he described as bad governance, accusing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike of reflecting the deep-rooted problems affecting Nigeria’s electoral system.
Oseni’s remarks followed Wike’s recent declaration that President Bola Tinubu must win the FCT during the 2027 presidential election. The minister also reportedly spoke about his influence on the outcome of the 2024 Edo State governorship election, in which the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, lost.
Reacting to the comments, Oseni questioned why Nigerians appeared surprised by Wike’s statements, referring to the controversial 2019 Rivers State governorship election involving Wike and African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Biokpomabo Awara.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suspended the electoral process in Rivers State before eventually announcing the final results, an episode Oseni cited in his criticism of the country’s electoral system.
Oseni Accuses Wike of Publicly Boasting About Political Influence
Oseni argued that Wike had a pattern of carrying out political actions and later speaking openly about them. He suggested that the minister’s recent comments should not surprise Nigerians who have followed his political activities.
“So you know, with Minister Nyesom Wike, he will be the one to do it in private, and he will still be the one to come and tell us in public. That’s how he does it,” Oseni said.
The broadcaster questioned the political priorities of leaders who publicly advocate for a better Nigeria but, in his view, allow personal disagreements to influence their decisions about electoral candidates.
He specifically referenced the 2024 Edo governorship election, arguing that opposition to former governor Godwin Obaseki appeared to take precedence over supporting Ighodalo’s candidacy.
Oseni maintained that Nigerians seeking improved leadership should pay attention to the consequences of political rivalries and the decisions made by influential political figures.
2019 Rivers Election Raises Questions About Electoral Credibility
The Arise Television presenter also revisited the 2019 Rivers State governorship election, questioning the circumstances surrounding the suspension of the process and the eventual declaration of results.
He referred to reports concerning the Independent National Electoral Commission’s results and the information recorded on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), arguing that discrepancies and controversies surrounding elections had contributed to public concerns about electoral credibility.
Oseni also linked the issue to debates about INEC’s authority to declare election results, suggesting that the problems associated with electoral malpractice had influenced discussions about how the commission should exercise its powers.
He criticised political parties that boast about having strong grassroots structures, arguing that such structures should be judged by their ability to win elections through credible and transparent processes.
According to him, Wike’s public comments should be viewed against the wider challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system rather than treated as an isolated political controversy.
“Wike is just a reflection of how bastardised our election system has become,” Oseni said.
His remarks were a criticism of the political environment and electoral practices in the country. Allegations of electoral malpractice, however, require independent evidence and should not be treated as established facts solely on the basis of political commentary.
Oseni Blames Voters Who Support Leaders Despite Controversies
Oseni extended his criticism to Nigerians who continue to support political leaders despite concerns about governance and election credibility.
He argued that personal interests, including the expectation of benefiting from political patronage, could prevent some citizens from holding public officials accountable.
The presenter said such support could allow controversial political practices to continue, particularly when voters prioritise immediate personal benefits over broader questions of public interest and democratic accountability.
“You Nigerian people, it’s on you. You can hear this and clap and say, ‘Enye ndi eba, enye ndi eba.’ I’m saying it because there are Nigerian people who still support this evil. Those are the ones I’m talking to,” he said.
Oseni also questioned the FCT minister’s public emphasis on electoral influence in the territory, arguing that political officeholders should allow voters to make their choices without intimidation or undue interference.
He maintained that citizens should demand accountability from political leaders rather than celebrate claims about the ability to influence election outcomes.
‘Your Children Will Serve Their Children’s Children’
In one of his strongest warnings, Oseni cautioned Nigerians that continued support for leaders they believe are acting against the public interest could leave future generations facing the consequences.
He argued that citizens who fail to challenge political practices they consider harmful risk perpetuating systems in which ordinary people remain dependent on powerful political families.
“You see, you will serve their children. In fact, you are already serving their children,” Oseni said.
He added that Nigerians could continue to serve successive generations of political elites unless they recognised their collective power and took steps to change the direction of the country.
Drawing on a statement attributed to the late Nigerian businessman and politician Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Oseni stressed the importance of citizens understanding their circumstances and taking responsibility for shaping their future.
The broadcaster insisted that his comments were intended as a warning about the long-term consequences of political complacency, not simply as an attack on one individual.
Debate Over Wike’s Role in Nigeria’s 2027 Political Landscape
Wike’s comments about the 2027 presidential election and his account of the 2024 Edo governorship contest have renewed debate over the influence of powerful political figures in Nigeria’s electoral process.
As political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next general election, questions surrounding voter freedom, the credibility of election results and the responsibilities of public officials remain central to discussions about democratic governance.
Oseni’s intervention places particular emphasis on the role of citizens, arguing that electoral accountability depends not only on political institutions but also on voters’ willingness to challenge practices they believe undermine democracy.
His central message was that Nigerians should not ignore controversial statements by political leaders or continue supporting them solely because of immediate personal or political benefits.
The controversy highlights continuing public debate over political influence, electoral integrity and the responsibilities of leaders and voters as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
