The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that Rivers State must continue to support President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, while extending an olive branch to political opponents and aggrieved stakeholders in the state.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday in Port Harcourt during a luncheon organised by the Rainbow Coalition for candidates contesting the forthcoming governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections in Rivers State.
The former Rivers State governor said the state had benefited significantly from the administration of President Tinubu and urged residents to compare the current government’s contributions to the state with those of previous administrations.
“From 2023 to now, compare what Rivers State has benefited under this administration with what it got under previous governments. Look at the appointments and opportunities that have come to Rivers State. Compare them and tell yourselves the truth,” Wike said.
According to him, Tinubu’s recognition of Rivers people through appointments and opportunities has earned the President the state’s continued political support.
“President Tinubu has shown so much appreciation to Rivers people. We have no choice but to continue supporting him,” he stated.
The minister also urged members of the coalition and political supporters to concentrate on grassroots mobilisation rather than media appearances, stressing that elections are won at the polling-unit level.
“Television will not give you votes. What gives votes is going to your polling units, your wards and your local governments. Deliver your polling unit, deliver your ward and deliver your local government,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the political influence of the Rainbow Coalition, Wike described the group as the dominant force in Rivers politics and invited politicians seeking elective offices to align with it.
“If you want to be relevant in Rivers politics, come and join the Rainbow Coalition. If you want to be governor, senator, House of Representatives member or councillor, come and join us,” he said.
The FCT minister also warned against efforts to destabilise the state, insisting that Rivers people would resist any attempt to undermine their interests.
“Rivers people are peaceful, but nobody should take our peaceful disposition for granted. Nobody can come here and hijack what belongs to our people,” he said.
In a move seen as a reconciliation gesture ahead of future political contests, Wike called on estranged politicians and supporters to return and work with the coalition, saying he was prepared to put past disagreements behind him.
“I am using this opportunity to forgive everybody. Come back home sincerely and let us work together for the progress of Rivers State,” he declared.
Wike further argued that leadership should be based on competence, performance and commitment to public welfare rather than ethnic or religious considerations.
“It does not matter where a leader comes from. What matters is that the person will not make us regret supporting him. Our concern is good governance and the development of Rivers State,” he added.
The luncheon was attended by governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Action Alliance (AA), Kingsley Chinda, Sam Ejekwu and Ben Eke respectively, while the Labour Party candidate, Chima Bons, was represented.
