Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi would win Rivers State in the 2027 presidential election if the poll is free, fair and credible.

Fayose made the remarks in a video circulated on social media on Wednesday, where he also proposed a high-stakes wager with Wike over the outcome of the election in Rivers State.

The Abuja-based businessman was reacting to the comments made by FCT Minister who declared that opposition political parties should remove Rivers State from their calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the state was firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike had urged political contenders to “cancel Rivers” from their electoral projections for the presidential contest, maintaining that only Tinubu could count on winning the state.

According to the minister, a broad political coalition comprising members of the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, Labour Party, Action Alliance and other political groups had resolved to work together in support of Rivers State’s interests and Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“If anybody is counting Rivers, go now and cancel it. The only person that can count Rivers is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I’m not talking because I want to talk; I’m talking as a political realist because I know my people,” Wike had said.

Reacting, Fayose expressed confidence that Obi would secure about 72 per cent of the votes in the oil-rich state before noon on election day, provided the electoral process is not manipulated.

“I repeat, Mr Minister, Peter Obi will win Rivers State by 72 per cent,” he declared.

He argued that the only condition for such a result would be the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that previous elections were compromised.

“On condition that you will not seize our result like the last time. INEC will be neutral,” he said.

Fayose further accused the FCT minister of relying on the influence of state institutions rather than popular support.

“But when INEC is not neutral, yes, you can boast that you will win Rivers State because you have INEC and the police. Who are we? We don’t have power in our country,” he stated.

Seeking to underscore his confidence, Fayose challenged Wike to a public bet, saying he was willing to stake his Rolls-Royce and an additional N1 billion on Obi’s victory if the election is conducted without intimidation or interference.

“I will drop my Rolls-Royce, you drop your own. Let us bet and stay neutral. No money, no bullying. Let INEC be independent,” he said.

He maintained that a transparent electoral process would reveal the true political mood of Rivers residents, arguing that ordinary citizens, rather than politicians benefiting from the current administration, would overwhelmingly support Obi.

Fayose also claimed that many Nigerians had become disillusioned with the electoral process because they feared their votes might not count.

“People are quiet because they know the only way some politicians can come back is through rigging. But with a free, fair and credible election, Peter Obi will win Rivers State,” he added.