Wike urges Ateke Tom to stay neutral ahead of 2027 Rivers politics

By Kunle Sanni –

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned traditional rulers to stay out of active politics, urging former Niger Delta militant leader and traditional ruler, King Ateke Tom, not to be directly involved in political activities.

Wike, a two-term former governor of Rivers State, spoke on Saturday during a visit to Ateke Tom’s palace in the state capital, where he addressed the role of traditional institutions in political affairs.

He stressed the need for monarchs to maintain neutrality while politicians conduct their engagements, warning against any actions that could be perceived as partisan.

“We will soon start politics. I didn’t say you should be involved—don’t be involved. Allow us to play our politics,” Wike said, adding that he did not want anyone to later accuse Ateke Tom of interfering in politics.

While acknowledging that traditional rulers may have personal preferences, Wike said such views should remain private and not influence or disrupt the political process.

The former Rivers State governor also hinted that key political decisions had already been taken ahead of future activities, noting that those decisions would be communicated to Ateke Tom through his associates, strictly for his awareness.

Explaining his previous absence from the monarch’s palace, Wike said he stayed away deliberately to avoid any perception that Ateke Tom’s traditional stool was being politicised, stressing that his visit was purely to pay respects.