Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that Rivers State should remain firmly behind President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, citing what he described as significant benefits and political recognition received by the state under the current administration.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday during a luncheon organised by the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt to honour candidates contesting the forthcoming governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections in Rivers State.
Addressing party supporters and political stakeholders, the former Rivers governor argued that the state’s relationship with the federal government under Tinubu had yielded more tangible results than in previous administrations.
He challenged residents to objectively assess the appointments, opportunities and projects Rivers State has received since 2023 and compare them with what was obtained under past governments.
“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, the level of recognition given to Rivers people by the current administration deserves appreciation and continued political support.
“President Tinubu has shown so much appreciation to Rivers people. We have no choice but to continue supporting him,” he added.
Wike urged voters to move beyond ethnic, religious and sectional sentiments when making political decisions, insisting that governance, performance and development should remain the primary criteria for evaluating leaders.
The minister maintained that the origin of a political leader should not outweigh the ability to deliver results and improve the lives of citizens.
“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 stated.
His comments come amid growing political realignments and preparations by major parties for the 2027 general election.
Wike also used the occasion to emphasise the importance of grassroots mobilisation, warning politicians against relying solely on media visibility and public appearances.
According to him, elections are won through effective engagement at the ward and polling unit levels rather than through television exposure.
“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.
The former governor expressed confidence in the strength of the Rainbow Coalition, predicting that the political platform would become a dominant force in future elections across Rivers State.
He encouraged politicians seeking elective positions to identify with the coalition, arguing that it had become a major vehicle for political success in the state.
“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,” Wike declared.
The FCT minister also cautioned against attempts by external forces or political actors to destabilise Rivers State or undermine the interests of its people.
While describing Rivers people as peaceful and accommodating, he warned that such qualities should not be mistaken for weakness.
“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.
His remarks drew applause from supporters at the gathering, many of whom viewed the statement as a reaffirmation of the state’s political independence and influence.
In a conciliatory tone, Wike extended an olive branch to politicians who may have fallen out with the coalition, urging them to return and contribute to the state’s development.
He stressed the need for unity and collective effort in advancing Rivers State’s interests, assuring political opponents that there was room for reconciliation.
“I am using this opportunity to forgive everybody. Come back home sincerely and let us work together for the progress of Rivers State,” he said.
The event attracted several prominent political figures and candidates preparing for the upcoming elections.
Among those present were the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party and Action Alliance, Kingsley Chinda, Sam Ejekwu and Ben Eke, respectively.
The Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Chima Bons, was represented at the gathering.
With political activities already intensifying ahead of future elections, Wike’s remarks are expected to further shape discussions around Rivers State’s role in the national political landscape and the growing support base being assembled around President Tinubu’s re-election ambitions.
